Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass celebrated her administration’s achievements in combating homelessness and advancing environmental sustainability as she approaches her second anniversary in office. During a downtown news conference on Friday, Bass highlighted the city’s progress in creating green jobs, expanding electric vehicle infrastructure, and increasing reliance on renewable energy sources.
“We have worked urgently to build a greener Los Angeles to make a healthier and more sustainable city,” Bass declared. “Our work has led to significant increases in EV charging infrastructure, record amounts of storm water captured and reducing emissions throughout the city with the goal of hitting 100% clean energy by 2035.”
the city has surpassed its target of creating over 100,000 green jobs by the end of 2025, achieving this milestone a year ahead of schedule. Los Angeles now boasts nearly 16,000 electric vehicle chargers, representing a 77% increase compared to 2022.
Moreover, approximately 25,000 homes in the city are now powered by a combination of electric and solar energy thanks to the Eland Solar & Storage Center. This large-scale solar installation and battery storage system became operational earlier this year.
In a significant step towards bolstering the city’s water supply,construction commenced on Monday for the Donald C. Tillman Groundwater Replenishment Project in the San Fernando Valley. this facility, located in the Van Nuys area, is poised to become one of the largest potable reuse projects in the nation. Upon completion, it is indeed expected to provide water for over 250,000 Angelenos.
“We are making significant investments in infrastructure and programs to ensure our city continues to weather the impacts of climate change and maintain access to critical life services of water and power,”
said Janisse Quiñones, CEO of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
LA Mayor Bass marks Progress on Climate Initiatives, Homelessness Solutions
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Los Angeles draws praise for hitting key milestones in its fight against climate change and homelessness.Mayor Karen bass reflected on her governance’s first two years, emphasizing advancements in green jobs creation, sustainable infrastructure, and housing solutions.”we have worked urgently to build a greener Los Angeles…to make a healthier and more sustainable city,” Bass declared.
this article features insights from leading experts on Bass’s initiatives, providing a closer look at the challenges and triumphs shaping the city’s future.
Green jobs and Electrification
Mayor Bass announced that the city surpassed its target of creating 100,000 green jobs by the end of 2025, achieving the goal a year ahead of schedule. We spoke with Dr. Emily Carter, Professor of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and Director of the Andlinger center for Energy & the Surroundings at Princeton University, to explore the significance of these developments:
World Today News (WTN): Dr. Carter, Mayor Bass celebrated surpassing the 100,000 green job goal. What does this achievement signify for Los Angeles, and what ripple effects might it have on other cities?
Dr. Carter: This is remarkable progress. It shows that Los Angeles is seriously committed to a sustainable future, and it underscores the potential of green jobs to revitalize the economy. Other cities will surely take note and look to Los Angeles as a model for creating jobs while addressing climate change.
WTN: with nearly 16,000 electric vehicle (EV) chargers in place, a 77% increase since 2022, how does this advancement contribute to the city’s larger sustainability goals?
Dr. Carter: Expanding EV infrastructure is crucial for accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels. It encourages the adoption of electric vehicles, reduces tailpipe emissions, and ultimately contributes to cleaner air and a healthier environment in Los Angeles.
“We are making meaningful investments in infrastructure and programs to ensure our city continues to weather the impacts of climate change and maintain access to critical life services of water and power,”
said Janisse Quiñones, CEO of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
Renewable Energy and Water Sustainability
The city’s commitment to renewable energy is notable in projects like the Eland Solar & Storage Center, which powers 25,000 homes with a mix of solar and electricity. We spoke with Sarah Johnson, Director of Sustainability at the Los Angeles business council, about the City’s renewable energy strategy:
WTN: Ms. Johnson, the Eland Solar & Storage Center is a significant step towards cleaner energy. Can you elaborate on its impact and the broader implications for Los Angeles’s energy grids?
Ms. Johnson: The Eland project not only generates clean energy but also demonstrates the viability of large-scale solar installations integrated with battery storage. This helps stabilize the grid, making it more resilient to fluctuations and supporting a greater reliance on renewable energy sources.
WTN: Beyond solar, the Donald C. Tillman Groundwater Replenishment Project signals a commitment to water security. How vital is such initiative in addressing Los Angeles’ water needs, especially given the challenges of climate change?
Ms. Johnson: Water scarcity is a pressing concern for Los Angeles, especially with the growing impacts of drought. The Tillman Project, by purifying and reusing wastewater, significantly increases the city’s water supply. This innovative approach is a critical step towards ensuring water security for the future.
Looking Ahead: A City in Transition
Mayor Bass’s two-year mark is a point of reflection on the progress made and the challenges that lie ahead. While Los Angeles continues to grapple with complex issues like homelessness, the strides made in combating climate change and promoting a greener, more sustainable future offer hope and a blueprint for other cities to follow.
What are your thoughts on LA’s progress? Share your comments below!
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