Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP)

BY THE NUMBERS Ashland Climate and Energy Action Plan: Baseline Public Input Summary Page | 6 Overarching Trends  The Ashland public sees a strong need for ambitious action —such as reaching a carbon neutrality or 100% renewable goal —and would like to see the community held accountable through an ordinance .  Water availability is a top concern among climate change impacts, and energy and transportation are highest priority sec tors for reducing emissions.  The m ost commonly cited priority action s include enhanced bike lanes and public transit , renewable energy requirements and incentive programs , public education and outreach , and water conservation programs .  Attendees noted a need for diversity and engagement of vulnerable populations in the public involvement process. Priorities and Concerns  Survey respondents were equally concerned about climate change mitigation and adaptation (see Question 2 in Appendix E ).  The highest p riority sectors for reducing greenhouse gas emissions are 1) buildings and energy and 2) transportation and land us e (see Q3 in Appendix E and Station 1 in Appendix B).  The most concerning climate impacts are 1) changes to snowpack and water availability and 2) wildfire risk (see Q5 in Appendix E and Station 2 in Appendix B).  Open house attendees were surprised to see consumption contribute such a large proportion of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions (see Station 1 in Appendix B).  Other priorities and con cerns include geoengineering , equity/diversity , renewable energy , biofuels , biking/transit , behavior change and individual accountability , and setting an ordinance (see Appendices B and D).