Dear Mayor Combs and Council Members,
Thank you for adopting a bold Climate Action Plan last year! Please continue Menlo Park’s leadership and prioritize Climate Action in 2021.
Our region has increasingly been threatened by climate impacts including, wildfires and hazardous air quality from smoke, drought, heat waves, flooding and sea level rise. These impacts will have a serious economic as well as health and quality of life toll on Menlo Park.
The world’s leading scientists agree that we must accelerate a transition from fossil fuels to meet global targets for a safe climate future. In fact, the pollution from burning fossil fuel is already one of the leading causes of death globally, and is responsible for an estimated 350,000 deaths in the U.S. every year, according to a new study from Harvard and three British Universities.
Fortunately, the City has taken important steps to declare a Climate Emergency and adopt an ambitious Climate Action Plan (CAP). Please prioritize Climate Action in Menlo Park this year, with at minimum the three climate measures that City Council Agreed to in July 2020 with the adoption of the CAP (These include: 1. Explore converting 95% of buildings in the city to all-electric by 2030; 2. Expand access to charging for electric vehicles citywide; and 3. Stop using fossil fuels for city operations).
In addition, please retain the following high-priority transportations projects that are a part of the City’s current list of annual goals, the Transportation Management Plan, and last year’s Capital Improvement Plan. These are well-aligned with the City goals of Vision Zero/safety improvements, traffic and “VMT” reduction, and climate action:
1) Middle Avenue pedestrian/bicycle crossing and traffic calming
2) Middlefield Road - Woodland to Ravenswood
3) Willow and Newbridge bicycle and pedestrian and other improvements in Belle Haven
4) Transportation Management Association
Taken together these transportation projects not only improve safety and reduce traffic, they cut significant carbon pollution, making these projects important climate actions.
We need bold action now to ensure a safe climate in which future generations can thrive. Please prioritize implementation of the Climate Action Plan adopted last year and the transportation projects that help achieve our climate goals. Not only do our neighboring cities appreciate Menlo Park’s Climate Leadership, Menlo Park residents are proud of the City and continue to benefit from climate, clean air, and health improvements.
Sincerely,
Diane Bailey
Diane Bailey, Climate Change Professional (CC-P) | Executive Director
MENLO SPARK
diane@menlospark.org | 650-281-7073
Visit us: www.MenloSpark.org & www.FossilFreeBuildings.org
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Climate Neutral for a Healthy, Prosperous Menlo Park
EV, PV & Fossil Free: Guides for Electric Cars, solar & Fossil Free Homes at: http://menlospark.org/what-we-do/
For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it.
If only we’re brave enough to be it. – Amanda Gorman
