Climate Action Plan

California has been experiencing rising average temperatures, more severe storms, and intense drought - as indicators of changing climate. For the safety and wellbeing of Milpitas, we must call take actions to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. 

In 2019, the City of Milpitas revised our Climate Action Plan (CAP) to serve as an updated framework that guides policy and programs. The Milpitas City Council adopted goals to reduce community greenhouse gases by 36% by 2030, 80% by 2040, and reach carbon neutrality by 2045. To reach these goals, the CAP targets 6 key emissions sources: 

  • Residential Building Energy - Natural gas usage 
  • Nonresidential Building Energy - Natural gas and electricity usage
  • On Road Transportation - Gasoline cars and single person commutes
  • Solid Waste - All waste in landfills 
  • Off-Road Vehicles and Equipment - Construction vehicles and landscaping equipment run on gasoline or diesel 
  • Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment - Energy to pump and treat water and wastewater 
Pie chart graph showing greenhouse gas emission data for Milpitas

The latest inventory of greenhouse gas emissions in the City of Milpitas in 2019. The main sources that contribute to our emissions are from gasoline cars (On-Road Transportation) and natural gas-powered use in buildings (Nonresidential Building Energy).  Milpitas' CAP prioritizes actions to target and reduce the biggest emission sources.

Planning For a More Sustainable Future 

The Climate Action Plan identifies strategies for keeping our community climate-resilient based off the 6 major sources above. 

  1. Shift to Clean and Reliable Energy 
  2. Maximize Building Decarbonization and Efficiency 
  3. Facilitate Sustainable Transportation and Land Use Planning 
  4. Decarbonize Vehicles 
  5. Increase Active and Public Transportation Use 
  6. Achieve Zero Waste 
  7. Shift to Clean Off-Road Equipment and Vehicles 
  8. Promote Resilient Water Supply, Water Use, and Water Resources
  9. Resilient Infrastructure and Health Forests and Systems
  10. Foster Green and Sustainable Economic Development Opportunities 
  11. Support Circular Economy Policies  


How Can Residents Get Involved?

Local bench facing the marsh and sunset

Participate in recycling and zero waste programs

Man recycling plastic water bottle in his home

Switch from gas to clean electricity to power your home and cars

Induction cooktop and pan

Conserve water inside your home and outside with your landscape

Person turning off faucet

The City of Milpitas' Climate Action Update is designed to be a comprehensive roadmap to continue addressing the challenges of climate change and keep the City on its path to carbon neutrality by 2045. The CAP Update is the product of extensive and ongoing engagement with residents, businesses, local government, and other organizations and stakeholders. These extensive community engagement efforts have resulted in locally based and context-specific strategies, measures, and actions designed to achieve the City's climate objectives while simultaneously enhancing the quality of life for Milpitas's residents, workers, and visitors.

  1. Milpitas Climate Action Plan Update 2022
  2. CAP Consistency Review Checklist
  3. Appendix

Helpful Links and Additional Resources: 

  • The Climate Dictionary: Refresh your memory and learn some new vocabulary relating to Climate Change and Sustainability