As a natural extension of our energy policy work, EPIC advises local, regional, and state government entities on climate-related policy and helps cities and regions develop climate action plans, including greenhouse gas inventories, emission reduction measures and policies, cost-benefit analysis and ordinance development. EPIC has deep knowledge of the complex system of energy and climate laws, regulations and policies enacted at the state level affecting all levels of economic activity.
Below are a few of our recent projects related to climate.
EPIC completed an analysis to identify policy opportunities for local jurisdictions in the San Diego region to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This work is included as Chapter 8 of the Regional Decarbonization Framework Technical Report, a science-based policy analysis of deep decarbonization in the San Diego region. Based on a review of the authority of local jurisdictions to regulate or influence greenhouse gas emissions, a review of Climate Action Plans in the region, and an estimate of the GHG reductions that could result from all CAPs commitments in the region, EPIC identified opportunities for further local action and regional collaboration.
The Energy Policy Initiatives Center (EPIC) at the University of San Diego School of Law recently completed a project to identify opportunities to develop carbon offset credit projects in the San Diego using existing protocols. The results of this study, which was funded by a grant from The San Diego Foundation, will help decision makers understand the role that carbon offset credits could play in achieving carbon neutrality in the region. EPIC screened 166 carbon offset credit protocols for those that were active, covered activities applicable to the San Diego region, and resulted in GHG emission reductions or removals that were additional to what is already required.
EPIC has been working with the City of San Diego to provide policy and technical support for its climate action planning efforts for more than a decade. Recently, we supported development of its 2022 CAP update and a CAP Implementation Cost Analysis (ICA) to estimate known costs and staffing impacts to the City to implement CAP actions during FY24-FY28. Results of the ICA were also a key element of the City’s Climate Action Implementation Plan.
EPIC completed five technical guidance documents for regional climate planning in partnership with the regional planning agency the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). The guidance documents enable consistent process and methodology for greenhouse gas (GHG) analysis across jurisdictions.