Sustainability
Climate Action Plan
A Climate Action Plan (CAP) is a long range plan that outlines strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The City of San Marcos updated its CAP in 2020 to meet new State of California goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting the community's desires for a clean, sustainable environment.
Working group
The purpose of the Climate Action Plan Implementation Working Group is to assist and provide recommendations to the City Council, Planning Commission, the Budget Review Committee, other city commissions as needed, and city staff with the development of plans, strategies, and actions to implement the Climate Action Plan.
Transportation Demand Management
To implement the Climate Action Plan measure to reduce traffic impacts from the development projects, Transportation Demand Management Ordinance and Policy were adopted by the City Council in December, 2023. The TDM Ordinance and Policy will be applicable to any development project that is not exempt from CEQA requirements and would result in emission of more than 500 metric tons of carbon dioxide (MT of CO2) per year. Developments that are below the 500 MT of CO2 threshold are encouraged to voluntarily include TDM strategies to facilitate alternative mobility options.
EV charging station rebates
To reduce emissions from gasoline powered vehicles, Measure T-4 of the CAP requires that the city establish a grants program for its residents and businesses to incentivize the conversion to electric vehicles by providing grants for the installation of electric vehicle charging Sstations.
Apply for a rebate
Renewable energy
Follow the links below to learn more about Solar permits and the Clean Energy Alliance which is a Joint Powers Authority made up of seven cities in North San Diego County, including San Marcos. The CEA purchases electricity directly from energy suppliers for city’s residents and businesses to help achieve the renewable energy goals.
Reducing waste
The City of San Marcos is committed to helping residents take care of our environment by offering a comprehensive, convenient recycling program in cooperation with EDCO Waste & Recycling Services. The following links provide additional information about where to take different types of trash, recycling, and the City’s Ordinance to address single use plastics.
Find out more