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Climate Action Plan
On October 5, 2020, The City adopted a citywide Climate Action Plan that set targets for GHG emission reductions, strategies, and requirements for the City to incorporate up-to-date climate science and projections into relevant City planning and policy decisions. Overall reduction target include:
- GHG emission reductions of 19% or greater (of 2018 baseline) by 2030;
- GHG emission reductions of 73% or greater (of 2018 baseline) by 2050;
Greenhouse Gas Emission Totals (mt CO2e) and Sector Impact
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Las Cruces Climate Action Plan July 2020
53% of greenhouse gas emissions in Las Cruces come from transportation. Improving current transportation standards and plans could greatly reduce our carbon footprint. Reduction Targets for this sector include:
- Promote electric vehicle adoption that is inclusive of the entire community by 22 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2050.
- Prioritize the development of active transportation by 12 percent by 2050 and 40 percent by 2050.
- Increase public transportation use by 15 percent by 2030 and 35 percent by 2050.
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- Map of electric vehicle charging stations (planned for Feb 2021)
- Las Cruces Active Transportation Plan
Approximately 38 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in Las Cruces come from using electricity and natural gas in commercial and residential buildings. Building greenhouse gas emissions are reduced when occupants practice energy efficiency and use renewable energy. Targets for this sector include:
- Decarbonize energy in buildings by 6 percent by 2030 and 70 percent by 2050.
- Expand residential energy efficiency programs by 18 percent by 2030 and 65 percent by 2050.
- Reduce commercial building energy use by 30 percent by 2030 and 75 percent by 2050.
- Reduce energy usage in municipal buildings through efficiency and demand management by 25 percent by 2030 and 75 percent by 2050.
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To learn more about the myths and facts about the cost of electric versus gas, air-source heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, induction stoves, impacts on the electric grid, and social equity read: It’s Time to Transition to Clean Electric Buildings.
If you would like a handout on how to select an electric appliance that qualifies for rebates or tax credits, contact [email protected]. We have information on duct or ductless air-source heat pump, heat pump water heaters, heat pump dryers, and induction stoves.
Renewable energy whether solar, wind, biogas are a few the ways this area can transition to a sustainable supply of electricity in all sectors. The City received SolSmart Gold Certification for its excellent service, especially in inspections. Targets for this sector include:
- Increasing renewable energy adoption especially in low- and moderate-income households by 12 percent by 2030 and 28 percent by 2050.
- Almost 25% of the city’s electricity will come from on-site solar installations by 2021.
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- Las Cruces Permitting Requirements for Solar Installations
- How to Go Solar (general information)
This time-lapse video shows how solar has grown in Las Cruces. As of June 2019, there were almost 1400 PV installations. Including the City government’s installations, there is more than 8 MW’s of clean solar energy generated by the government, businesses, and residents of Las Cruces.
About 7 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in Las Cruces come from solid waste. Adopting strategies such as composting helps to increase waste minimization. Targets for this sector include:
- Incentivize waste minimization by 25 percent by 2030 and 70 percent by 2050.