LA City Departments Saw 40% Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The first municipal report to cover emissions from all Los Angeles city departments, operations and facilities was released Friday and found that by the end of 2017, the city had reduced its operational emissions by 40 percent relative to its 2008 baseline.

The report was a collaborative effort between LA Sanitation and other city departments.

"If we want to build the most sustainable city in America, we have to start with our local government -- and that means cutting emissions across every facet of our operations," Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said.

"Today's report shows that when we set big goals, we can meet them ahead of schedule. Now, the magnitude of the climate crisis demands that we set our sights higher and accelerate our ambitions, with cleaner municipal buildings and less public sector pollution to realize a better future for our children and grandchildren."

The report, which analyzed 2017 compared with the baseline year 2008, found that the emission reductions puts the city eight years ahead of the Sustainable City pLAn 2025 target of 35 percent reduction from 2008 levels.

In response to the progress, the city has established new targets to reduce its emissions by 55% from 2008 levels by 2025 and to be carbon-neutral by 2045.

"The city has been working diligently to implement policies and practices that reduce emissions and contribute to overall sustainable municipal operations. This report outlines the progress that the city has made in addressing its carbon footprint over the nine year period from 2008 to 2017," LASAN Director and General Manager Enrique C. Zaldivar said.