By Molly Culton
On July 17, the Richmond City Council voted unanimously in favor of adopting a resolution supporting State implementation of the Buy Clean California Act to help reduce climate pollution.
The Buy Clean California Act requires certain California State agencies, and the California State University and University of California systems, to purchase key materials used in construction projects from less-polluting manufacturers.
The Richmond City Council resolution also directs City of Richmond staff to deliver a report at the September 25, 2018 Council Meeting about how the city can implement similar sustainable purchasing policies. Richmond is the first municipality to pursue adopting a Buy Clean policy at the local level.
The Buy Clean California Act, Assembly Bill 262, co-authored by Assemblymember Rob Bonta and Assemblymember Susan Eggman, was signed into law by Governor Brown in 2017. It is the first state law that addresses cutting greenhouse gas pollution within a supply chain. It requires state agencies to purchase certain construction materials–flat glass, steel, steel rebar, and certain insulation–from manufacturers whose greenhouse gas emissions levels are at or below average.
Richmond’s resolution supporting the Buy Clean California Act underscores the importance of putting taxpayer dollars where our environmental values are. Richmond is a leader for other cities that aim to close the carbon loophole and promote low-carbon infrastructure development.
Councilmember Ada Recinos deserves accolades for introducing the resolution. She and the entire city council demonstrated their commitment to a sustainable planet by voting for the resolution.
For more information on Sierra Club California's Buy Clean Campaign, please visit: www.sierraclub.org/california/why-buy-clean.