California’s SB 375 was signed into law in 2008, and provides an opportunity for California’s regions to change the way that we grow. Recognizing that nearly 40 percent of California’s greenhouse gas pollution comes from transportation, the central purpose of SB 375 is to reduce pollution by improving our land use patterns and offering more housing and transportation choices to Californians.
How will it be Implemented?
In September 2010, the California Air Resources Board adopted targets for greenhouse gas reductions for each region in the state.
Each region is now responsible for working with its local government partners to create a Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS). The SCS will be an element of the Regional Transportation Plan, and will outline the strategies for achieving the regional target. A Sustainable Communities Strategy will include detail on where growth and development will occur, and how the region’s transportation system can support that growth in a way that reduces greenhouse gas pollution.
In doing so, SB 375 creates enhanced accountability for regional transportation spending. It requires regional agencies to measure the impact that transportation dollars will have on greenhouse gases, and it encourages them to measure other impacts as well.
If the region demonstrates that it cannot meet its target, it must develop an Alternative Planning Strategy, which shows what additional policies and resources would be necessary for success.
Go to our Around the State section for more information on SB 375 implementation in each major region in the state.
Additional Resources
SB 375 Fact Sheet and Timeline
By TransForm Executive Director, Stuart Cohen. October 2011
Download the fact sheet
Communities Tackle Global Warming: A Guide to SB 375
By NRDC and CLCV. June 2009
Download the booklet
Sustainable Communities 101: SB 375 Bill Summary
By Housing California. 2010
Download the fact sheet
Fact Sheet: SB 375 — Maximizing Economic Growth
By ClimatePlan. April 2010
Download the fact sheet
Fact Sheet: SB 375 and Cities
By The American Lung Association in California and Local Government Commission. April 2010
Download the fact sheet
Click here for additional resources.
