Last summer, Portland adopted its Climate Emergency Workplan, a 47-item outline to put the city on a path toward decarbonization and community resiliency in the face of rising temperatures and extreme weather.
Let’s take a look at how we’re doing one year in.
Two priority actions in the transportation sector have been accomplished.
- Petroleum diesel sales will be phased out by 2030 and replaced with lower carbon alternatives.
- Larger developments must now include EV charging infrastructure; also, these stations are now easier to build in the public right-of-way.
There are 43 points of emphasis that remain on track, including the installation of 15,000 heat pump/cooling units and planting trees in low-canopy areas.
Only two projects have been delayed: identifying improvements to prevent landslides on West Burnside Road and implementing a citywide green infrastructure plan.
Leaders are hopeful that public awareness will continue to boost support for the remaining efforts.