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Climate Action Plan Survey

What should Humboldt County's local governments prioritize in developing a Climate Action Plan?

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128 registered responses


How important is it that Humboldt County's local governments implement programs and policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

Response Percent Response Count
Very important 82.8% 106
Somewhat important 8.6% 11
Slightly important 3.1% 4
Not at all important 5.5% 7

How would you like to see Humboldt County's local governments prioritize the following GHG reduction strategies? (1= Low Priority, 5 = High Priority)

Promoting energy efficiency in new construction
Response Percent Response Count
1 1.6% 2
2 1.6% 2
3 8.6% 11
4 17.2% 22
5 69.5% 89
No Opinion 1.6% 2
Upgrades for residential and commercial buildings to reduce energy use
Response Percent Response Count
1 2.3% 3
2 3.1% 4
3 13.3% 17
4 20.3% 26
5 59.4% 76
No Opinion 1.6% 2
Solar panel installation on residential and commercial buildings
Response Percent Response Count
1 2.3% 3
2 3.1% 4
3 9.4% 12
4 13.3% 17
5 70.3% 90
No Opinion 1.6% 2
Local renewable energy generation (i.e. wind and biomass power)
Response Percent Response Count
1 5.5% 7
2 0.8% 1
3 10.2% 13
4 12.5% 16
5 70.3% 90
No Opinion 0.8% 1
Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure
Response Percent Response Count
1 3.9% 5
2 5.5% 7
3 27.3% 35
4 28.9% 37
5 32.8% 42
No Opinion 1.6% 2
Bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure
Response Percent Response Count
1 1.6% 2
2 3.1% 4
3 15.6% 20
4 20.3% 26
5 59.4% 76
Water conservation
Response Percent Response Count
1 5.5% 7
2 12.5% 16
3 18.8% 24
4 21.1% 27
5 41.4% 53
No Opinion 0.8% 1
Waste reduction
Response Percent Response Count
1 2.3% 3
2 3.1% 4
3 8.6% 11
4 18.0% 23
5 68.0% 87
Conservation of forest and agricultural lands
Response Percent Response Count
1 0.8% 1
2 3.1% 4
3 7.8% 10
4 18.0% 23
5 70.3% 90
Forestry practices that enhance carbon sequestration
Response Percent Response Count
1 3.9% 5
2 1.6% 2
3 10.9% 14
4 21.1% 27
5 60.2% 77
No Opinion 2.3% 3
Agricultural practices that enhance carbon sequestration on range lands
Response Percent Response Count
1 3.9% 5
2 1.6% 2
3 12.5% 16
4 29.7% 38
5 51.6% 66
No Opinion 0.8% 1
Agricultural practices that reduce emissions from livestock
Response Percent Response Count
1 6.3% 8
2 7.8% 10
3 15.6% 20
4 23.4% 30
5 46.1% 59
No Opinion 0.8% 1
Wildfire prevention
Response Percent Response Count
1 1.6% 2
2 2.3% 3
3 14.8% 19
4 19.5% 25
5 61.7% 79

How concerned are you about the future impact in Humboldt County of the following potential climate-related hazards?

Increased temperatures and heat waves
Response Percent Response Count
Not at all concerned 5.5% 7
Not so concerned 11.7% 15
Somewhat concerned 29.7% 38
Very concerned 31.3% 40
Extremely concerned 21.9% 28
Sea level rise
Response Percent Response Count
Not at all concerned 3.9% 5
Not so concerned 5.5% 7
Somewhat concerned 7.8% 10
Very concerned 31.3% 40
Extremely concerned 51.6% 66
Increased wildfires
Response Percent Response Count
Not at all concerned 1.6% 2
Not so concerned 3.9% 5
Somewhat concerned 16.4% 21
Very concerned 29.7% 38
Extremely concerned 48.4% 62
Flooding and severe rainstorms
Response Percent Response Count
Not so concerned 4.7% 6
Somewhat concerned 21.1% 27
Very concerned 32.0% 41
Extremely concerned 42.2% 54
Mudslide/landslide
Response Percent Response Count
Not at all concerned 0.8% 1
Not so concerned 7.8% 10
Somewhat concerned 27.3% 35
Very concerned 29.7% 38
Extremely concerned 34.4% 44
Drought
Response Percent Response Count
Not at all concerned 2.3% 3
Not so concerned 12.5% 16
Somewhat concerned 24.2% 31
Very concerned 31.3% 40
Extremely concerned 29.7% 38
Air quality impacts
Response Percent Response Count
Not at all concerned 3.1% 4
Not so concerned 11.7% 15
Somewhat concerned 32.8% 42
Very concerned 22.7% 29
Extremely concerned 29.7% 38
“Climate refugees” migrating to Humboldt County
Response Percent Response Count
Not at all concerned 11.7% 15
Not so concerned 29.7% 38
Somewhat concerned 18.8% 24
Very concerned 20.3% 26
Extremely concerned 19.5% 25

In terms of priority, how would you rank the following strategies to reduce emissions from energy consumption in Humboldt County? To show your priorities, rank your most important strategies from top to bottom. Click and drag to change.

Average priorities over 128 responses

  1. Improving insulation, installing energy-efficient appliances, low-flow plumbing fixtures, LED/CFL lightbulbs are ways to reduce a building's energy demand.  

    Making buildings more energy efficient so they use less energy

  2. Redwood Coast Energy Authority is the sole purchaser of electricity for customers in Humboldt County. PG&E still delivers our power, but RCEA decides where that power comes from. Currently, they purchase renewable energy from a variety of sources within the region and elsewhere in the state.   

    Supplying renewable energy to buildings so they use cleaner energy

  3. Rooftop solar photovoltaic panels can be installed on homes and businesses to meet some or all of a building's energy demand. 

    Encouraging solar panel installation on buildings

  4. Humboldt County has been identified as a potentially ideal location for offshore wind energy generation. A number of promising sites for land-based wind energy farms have also been identified.  

    Encouraging local wind energy production

  5. Woody biomass (primarily waste from mills) can be burned to generate electricity. As of 2013, local biomass powerplants supplied around a quarter of Humboldt County's consumed electricity. Biomass energy is classified by the state of California as renewable, but there are greenhouse gas emissions associated with the combustion and transport processes.

    Encouraging local biomass energy production

How can Humboldt County's local governments promote solar panel installation? (1= Low Priority, 5 = High Priority)

Faster and simpler residential solar permitting process
Response Percent Response Count
1 3.9% 5
2 0.8% 1
3 13.3% 17
4 15.6% 20
5 60.9% 78
No opinion 5.5% 7
Reduced residential solar permit fees
Response Percent Response Count
1 2.3% 3
2 1.6% 2
3 9.4% 12
4 12.5% 16
5 69.5% 89
No opinion 4.7% 6
Offer information on providers, financing options and rebates
Response Percent Response Count
1 3.1% 4
2 2.3% 3
3 18.0% 23
4 23.4% 30
5 50.0% 64
No opinion 3.1% 4
Install solar panels on local government facilities
Response Percent Response Count
1 3.1% 4
2 1.6% 2
3 7.0% 9
4 18.0% 23
5 68.0% 87
No opinion 2.3% 3
Public recognition for energy efficiency upgrades
Response Percent Response Count
1 10.9% 14
2 12.5% 16
3 22.7% 29
4 24.2% 31
5 25.8% 33
No opinion 3.9% 5
Offer solar audits for interested customers
Response Percent Response Count
1 2.3% 3
2 5.5% 7
3 26.6% 34
4 31.3% 40
5 30.5% 39
No opinion 3.9% 5

What have you done (or want to do) to reduce energy use at your residence?

Install high-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems
Response Percent Response Count
Completed 24.2% 31
Want to do 42.2% 54
Want to learn more 14.1% 18
Not interested 19.5% 25
Install a high-efficiency water heater
Response Percent Response Count
Completed 36.7% 47
Want to do 49.2% 63
Want to learn more 7.8% 10
Not interested 6.3% 8
Change light bulbs to energy-efficient models (LED)
Response Percent Response Count
Completed 81.3% 104
Want to do 11.7% 15
Want to learn more 2.3% 3
Not interested 4.7% 6
Replace appliances with energy-efficient models
Response Percent Response Count
Completed 53.9% 69
Want to do 36.7% 47
Want to learn more 5.5% 7
Not interested 3.9% 5
Upgrade your home's insulation
Response Percent Response Count
Completed 35.9% 46
Want to do 39.1% 50
Want to learn more 12.5% 16
Not interested 12.5% 16
Install solar panels
Response Percent Response Count
Completed 20.3% 26
Want to do 57.0% 73
Want to learn more 14.1% 18
Not interested 8.6% 11

What are some barriers that would keep you from completing energy upgrades?

Do not own the property
Response Percent Response Count
Least important 60.2% 77
Somewhat important 2.3% 3
More important 7.8% 10
Most important 29.7% 38
Cost
Response Percent Response Count
Least important 5.5% 7
Somewhat important 17.2% 22
More important 28.9% 37
Most important 48.4% 62
Lack of information (i.e. options, costs, potential savings)
Response Percent Response Count
Least important 30.5% 39
Somewhat important 35.2% 45
More important 28.1% 36
Most important 6.3% 8
Time and effort
Response Percent Response Count
Least important 32.0% 41
Somewhat important 34.4% 44
More important 24.2% 31
Most important 9.4% 12
Concerns that upgrades will generate minimal financial savings
Response Percent Response Count
Least important 40.6% 52
Somewhat important 28.9% 37
More important 21.9% 28
Most important 8.6% 11
Concern that upgraded technologies won't perform as well
Response Percent Response Count
Least important 53.1% 68
Somewhat important 25.8% 33
More important 13.3% 17
Most important 7.8% 10
Safety issues
Response Percent Response Count
Least important 78.9% 101
Somewhat important 15.6% 20
More important 3.1% 4
Most important 2.3% 3

How can Humboldt County's local governments reduce emissions from vehicle trips? (1 = Low Priority, 5 = High Priority)

Improve public transit
Response Percent Response Count
1 2.3% 3
2 3.1% 4
3 9.4% 12
4 9.4% 12
5 71.9% 92
No opinion 3.9% 5
Encourage development along public transit corridors
Response Percent Response Count
1 5.5% 7
2 7.0% 9
3 21.9% 28
4 27.3% 35
5 32.8% 42
No opinion 5.5% 7
Encourage development near city centers
Response Percent Response Count
1 7.0% 9
2 7.0% 9
3 15.6% 20
4 24.2% 31
5 42.2% 54
No opinion 3.9% 5
Encourage development with mixed commercial and residential uses
Response Percent Response Count
1 7.8% 10
2 5.5% 7
3 16.4% 21
4 23.4% 30
5 43.0% 55
No opinion 3.9% 5
Help large employers establish carpooling programs
Response Percent Response Count
1 10.2% 13
2 12.5% 16
3 25.8% 33
4 24.2% 31
5 25.0% 32
No opinion 2.3% 3
Improve bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure
Response Percent Response Count
1 5.5% 7
2 1.6% 2
3 12.5% 16
4 17.2% 22
5 63.3% 81
Install electric vehicle charging stations
Response Percent Response Count
1 6.3% 8
2 9.4% 12
3 27.3% 35
4 23.4% 30
5 32.0% 41
No opinion 1.6% 2
Bike share programs
Response Percent Response Count
1 11.7% 15
2 10.9% 14
3 29.7% 38
4 24.2% 31
5 18.0% 23
No opinion 5.5% 7

What would encourage you to use public transit (check all that apply)

Response Percent Response Count
Bus service closer to home 37.5% 48
Bus service closer to work 17.2% 22
More frequent bus service 68.0% 87
Faster bus service 35.9% 46
Free bus service 48.4% 62
More bike racks on buses 25.8% 33
Parking lots at bus stops 15.6% 20
Nothing 13.3% 17

What would encourage you to ride a bicycle more often?

Response Percent Response Count
More bicycle lanes and trails 64.8% 83
Safer bike lanes 65.6% 84
More bicycle parking 26.6% 34
Bike share program 10.2% 13
More bike racks on buses 22.7% 29
Nothing 24.2% 31

Of the many benefits resulting from GHG reduction, how would you prioritize the following outcomes?

Average priorities over 128 responses

  1. Some GHG reduction strategies also help communities prepare for the effects of climate change. For instance, solar panels provide an electricity in the event of power outages from severe weather events.

    Increased resilience from climate change and natural disasters

  2. CAPs can reduce the fossil fuel use associated with transportation and energy consumption.

    Reduced reliance on fossil fuels

  3. GHG reduction strategies like improving bike and pedestrian infrastructure and reducing energy costs can promote healthy and thriving communities.

    Improved public health

  4. Waste prevention has a number of environmental benefits beyond GHG reduction.

    Reducing waste sent to landfills

  5. Green jobs include solar installation, efficiency retrofitting and wind turbine construction and maintenance.

    Creation of green jobs

  6. Installing solar and improving energy efficiency can cut costs as well as reduce emissions.

    Saving money from lower utility bills

  7. Improving EV infrastructure and providing alternative transportation options can generate financial savings for residents.

    Saving money from lower transportation costs

Please share any additional ideas or comments about how Humboldt County's local governments can reduce GHG emissions in the region.

Answered
76
Skipped
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glen colwell inside district 3
March 10, 2019, 3:48 PM
  • How important is it that Humboldt County's local governments implement programs and policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
    • Very important
  • How would you like to see Humboldt County's local governments prioritize the following GHG reduction strategies? (1= Low Priority, 5 = High Priority)
    • Promoting energy efficiency in new construction - 5
    • Upgrades for residential and commercial buildings to reduce energy use - 5
    • Solar panel installation on residential and commercial buildings - 5
    • Local renewable energy generation (i.e. wind and biomass power) - 5
    • Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure - 5
    • Bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure - 5
    • Water conservation - 4
    • Waste reduction - 5
    • Conservation of forest and agricultural lands - 5
    • Forestry practices that enhance carbon sequestration - 5
    • Agricultural practices that enhance carbon sequestration on range lands - 5
    • Agricultural practices that reduce emissions from livestock - 5
    • Wildfire prevention - 3
  • How concerned are you about the future impact in Humboldt County of the following potential climate-related hazards?
    • Increased temperatures and heat waves - Somewhat concerned
    • Sea level rise - Very concerned
    • Increased wildfires - Somewhat concerned
    • Flooding and severe rainstorms - Very concerned
    • Mudslide/landslide - Very concerned
    • Drought - Not so concerned
    • Air quality impacts - Somewhat concerned
    • “Climate refugees” migrating to Humboldt County - Somewhat concerned
  • In terms of priority, how would you rank the following strategies to reduce emissions from energy consumption in Humboldt County? To show your priorities, rank your most important strategies from top to bottom. Click and drag to change.

    1. Humboldt County has been identified as a potentially ideal location for offshore wind energy generation. A number of promising sites for land-based wind energy farms have also been identified.  

      Encouraging local wind energy production

    2. Improving insulation, installing energy-efficient appliances, low-flow plumbing fixtures, LED/CFL lightbulbs are ways to reduce a building's energy demand.  

      Making buildings more energy efficient so they use less energy

    3. Rooftop solar photovoltaic panels can be installed on homes and businesses to meet some or all of a building's energy demand. 

      Encouraging solar panel installation on buildings

    4. Redwood Coast Energy Authority is the sole purchaser of electricity for customers in Humboldt County. PG&E still delivers our power, but RCEA decides where that power comes from. Currently, they purchase renewable energy from a variety of sources within the region and elsewhere in the state.   

      Supplying renewable energy to buildings so they use cleaner energy

    5. Woody biomass (primarily waste from mills) can be burned to generate electricity. As of 2013, local biomass powerplants supplied around a quarter of Humboldt County's consumed electricity. Biomass energy is classified by the state of California as renewable, but there are greenhouse gas emissions associated with the combustion and transport processes.

      Encouraging local biomass energy production
  • How can Humboldt County's local governments promote solar panel installation? (1= Low Priority, 5 = High Priority)
    • Faster and simpler residential solar permitting process - 4
    • Reduced residential solar permit fees - 5
    • Offer information on providers, financing options and rebates - 5
    • Install solar panels on local government facilities - 5
    • Public recognition for energy efficiency upgrades - 5
    • Offer solar audits for interested customers - 5
  • What have you done (or want to do) to reduce energy use at your residence?
    • Install high-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems - Want to do
    • Install a high-efficiency water heater - Want to do
    • Change light bulbs to energy-efficient models (LED) - Completed
    • Replace appliances with energy-efficient models - Completed
    • Upgrade your home's insulation - Completed
    • Install solar panels - Want to do
  • What are some barriers that would keep you from completing energy upgrades?
    • Do not own the property - Least important
    • Cost - More important
    • Lack of information (i.e. options, costs, potential savings) - Least important
    • Time and effort - Least important
    • Concerns that upgrades will generate minimal financial savings - Somewhat important
    • Concern that upgraded technologies won't perform as well - Least important
    • Safety issues - Least important
  • How can Humboldt County's local governments reduce emissions from vehicle trips? (1 = Low Priority, 5 = High Priority)
    • Improve public transit - No opinion
    • Encourage development along public transit corridors - 5
    • Encourage development near city centers - 5
    • Encourage development with mixed commercial and residential uses - 5
    • Help large employers establish carpooling programs - 5
    • Improve bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure - 5
    • Install electric vehicle charging stations - 5
    • Bike share programs - No opinion
  • What would encourage you to use public transit (check all that apply)
    • More bike racks on buses
  • What would encourage you to ride a bicycle more often?
    • Safer bike lanes
  • Of the many benefits resulting from GHG reduction, how would you prioritize the following outcomes?

    1. Some GHG reduction strategies also help communities prepare for the effects of climate change. For instance, solar panels provide an electricity in the event of power outages from severe weather events.

      Increased resilience from climate change and natural disasters

    2. CAPs can reduce the fossil fuel use associated with transportation and energy consumption.

      Reduced reliance on fossil fuels

    3. GHG reduction strategies like improving bike and pedestrian infrastructure and reducing energy costs can promote healthy and thriving communities.

      Improved public health

    4. Green jobs include solar installation, efficiency retrofitting and wind turbine construction and maintenance.

      Creation of green jobs

    5. Waste prevention has a number of environmental benefits beyond GHG reduction.

      Reducing waste sent to landfills

    6. Installing solar and improving energy efficiency can cut costs as well as reduce emissions.

      Saving money from lower utility bills

    7. Improving EV infrastructure and providing alternative transportation options can generate financial savings for residents.

      Saving money from lower transportation costs
  • Please share any additional ideas or comments about how Humboldt County's local governments can reduce GHG emissions in the region.

    1. - Partner with State of CA to allocate and procure incentive funding/grant funding to promote installation of residential photovoltaic systems. Federal tax credits for residential PV is currently at 30% of system costs and will decline in 2020 and subsequent years. Partner with RCEA to incentivize PV installation on commercial and residential properties prioritizing NEM agreements.
    2. Work with the State of CA and RCEA to develop and implement decentralized smart grid applications targeting installation of localized "battery wall" technology charged with photovoltaic arrays on city/county properties and on private commercial and residential properties with willing owners, that would store PV electricity produced during non-peak demand periods for grid use during peak demand periods.
    3. As the city/county vehicle fleet turns over, replace more passenger and utility vehicles with fully electric or gas/electric hybrid vehicles.
    4. Partner with local companies like Wes Green Landscaping to further divert locally produced compostable green waste and food waste from the landfill stream. Mandate use of locally produced carbon sequestering compost materials for all city/county properties and projects. Incentivize use of locally produced carbon sequestering compost materials for local agricultural, commercial and residential landscaping and farming activities.
    5. Encourage local food production and consumption through advocacy of 4H clubs, farm/school lunch partnerships, farm/county jail food partnerships and recognition of retail food establishments that sell locally produced food.

Open Humboldt is not a certified voting system or ballot box. As with any public comment process, participation in Open Humboldt is voluntary. The responses in this record are not necessarily representative of the whole population, nor do they reflect the opinions of any government agency or elected officials.

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1
2
3
4
5
No Opinion
Promoting energy efficiency in new construction
Upgrades for residential and commercial buildings to reduce energy use
Solar panel installation on residential and commercial buildings
Local renewable energy generation (i.e. wind and biomass power)
Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure
Bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure
Water conservation
Waste reduction
Conservation of forest and agricultural lands
Forestry practices that enhance carbon sequestration
Agricultural practices that enhance carbon sequestration on range lands
Agricultural practices that reduce emissions from livestock
Wildfire prevention
* required
Not at all concerned
Not so concerned
Somewhat concerned
Very concerned
Extremely concerned
Increased temperatures and heat waves
Sea level rise
Increased wildfires
Flooding and severe rainstorms
Mudslide/landslide
Drought
Air quality impacts
“Climate refugees” migrating to Humboldt County
* required
Item Up Down Remove
Item Up Down Remove

Improving insulation, installing energy-efficient appliances, low-flow plumbing fixtures, LED/CFL lightbulbs are ways to reduce a building's energy demand.  

Redwood Coast Energy Authority is the sole purchaser of electricity for customers in Humboldt County. PG&E still delivers our power, but RCEA decides where that power comes from. Currently, they purchase renewable energy from a variety of sources within the region and elsewhere in the state.   

Rooftop solar photovoltaic panels can be installed on homes and businesses to meet some or all of a building's energy demand. 

Woody biomass (primarily waste from mills) can be burned to generate electricity. As of 2013, local biomass powerplants supplied around a quarter of Humboldt County's consumed electricity. Biomass energy is classified by the state of California as renewable, but there are greenhouse gas emissions associated with the combustion and transport processes.

Humboldt County has been identified as a potentially ideal location for offshore wind energy generation. A number of promising sites for land-based wind energy farms have also been identified.  

* required
1
2
3
4
5
No opinion
Faster and simpler residential solar permitting process
Reduced residential solar permit fees
Offer information on providers, financing options and rebates
Install solar panels on local government facilities
Public recognition for energy efficiency upgrades
Offer solar audits for interested customers
* required
Completed
Want to do
Want to learn more
Not interested
Install high-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems
Install a high-efficiency water heater
Change light bulbs to energy-efficient models (LED)
Replace appliances with energy-efficient models
Upgrade your home's insulation
Install solar panels
* required
Least important
Somewhat important
More important
Most important
Do not own the property
Cost
Lack of information (i.e. options, costs, potential savings)
Time and effort
Concerns that upgrades will generate minimal financial savings
Concern that upgraded technologies won't perform as well
Safety issues
* required
1
2
3
4
5
No opinion
Improve public transit
Encourage development along public transit corridors
Encourage development near city centers
Encourage development with mixed commercial and residential uses
Help large employers establish carpooling programs
Improve bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure
Install electric vehicle charging stations
Bike share programs
* required
* required
* required
Item Up Down Remove
Item Up Down Remove

Some GHG reduction strategies also help communities prepare for the effects of climate change. For instance, solar panels provide an electricity in the event of power outages from severe weather events.

Waste prevention has a number of environmental benefits beyond GHG reduction.

GHG reduction strategies like improving bike and pedestrian infrastructure and reducing energy costs can promote healthy and thriving communities.

Green jobs include solar installation, efficiency retrofitting and wind turbine construction and maintenance.

Improving EV infrastructure and providing alternative transportation options can generate financial savings for residents.

Installing solar and improving energy efficiency can cut costs as well as reduce emissions.

CAPs can reduce the fossil fuel use associated with transportation and energy consumption.

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