NEWS  from the

Los Angeles City Hall, 200 N. Spring St., 20^th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Detrich B. Allen, General Manager

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            CONTACT:   Darlene Fields

Monday, March 4, 2002                                                                                (213) 978-0844

U.S. EPA AWARDS NATIONAL CLEAN AIR EXCELLENCE AWARD TO LOS ANGELES FOR ITS FAR-REACHING CLIMATE CHANGE PLAN

             Los Angeles, March 4, 2002 – The City of Los Angeles’ Energy Climate Action Plan (Energy C.A.P.) has been awarded a prestigious “Clean Air Excellence Award” from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  The Los Angeles Energy C.A.P. was selected from more than 100 applications received nationwide.  EAD General Manager Detrich B. Allen will accept the award March 5 in Washington, D.C.

             The Energy C.A.P.  is the City’s aggressive plan to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change.  It was developed under the direction of the Environmental Affairs Department (EAD) with assistance from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, other city agencies, and the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI).  The Plan contains an array of innovative and cost-effective measures that will save electricity, natural gas and petroleum, thus lowering carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gas emissions.  The 2010 forecast in the plan projects a 30-percent reduction in CO₂ emissions associated with city facilities and operations, representing a reduction of 734,000 tons of CO₂ per year.  The Los Angeles City Council adopted the plan in 2001.

EAD Energy Climate Action Plan Award

“With the Energy C.A.P, Los Angeles has made a significant commitment to reducing the threat of global climate change through concerted local action,” said Allen.  “This plan exemplifies Los Angeles’ strong leadership in voluntarily reducing greenhouse gas emissions – reductions that are well beyond those required under the Kyoto Protocol – by implementing aggressive and innovative energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, as well as programs that lower transportation-related energy use. 

          “Both the existing and planned measures in the Energy C.A.P. are cost-effective and produce long-term, measurable and sustainable results.  In addition, the plan sets forth a readily transferable model that other cities can follow to initiate similar programs to conserve energy, save money and improve environmental quality,” Allen noted.

As a member of ICLEI’s Cities for Climate Protection Campaign, Los Angeles is one of over 100 cities in the United

States and approximately 475 cities across the world that have committed to local action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

The Los Angeles Energy C.A.P. will affect more than 800 City buildings, 250,000 streetlights, 15,000 fleet vehicles, and nearly 

40,000 employees.

         The U.S. EPA’s Clean Air Excellence Awards annually recognize and honor outstanding, innovative efforts that help make 

progress in achieving cleaner air.  Award-winning entries must reduce pollutant emissions, demonstrate innovation and 

uniqueness, provide a model for others to follow, and offer sustainable outcomes.  

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The City of Los Angeles Environmental Affairs Department (EAD), established in 1990, is the chief advisor to the City of Los Angeles on environmental issues.  It works to ensure a sustainable, clean and healthful environment for all people of Los Angeles.  By restoring habitats, creating innovative alternatives, assisting businesses and revitalizing communities, EAD makes Los Angeles a better place to live, work and play.  

   
Webmaster: mailto:eadinfo@mailbox.lacity.org    Last modified: March 04, 2002