.png)
“We can’t keep our promise to the next generation to build an economy fit for the future, unless we ensure our planet has a future.” – Philip Hammond
No longer does the San Marcos Fire Department acknowledge that there is a “season” when the risk of major fire is low, because now, unlike in decades past, the threat of major fires exists year-round. Worse, the fires in the last decade have been larger and more damaging than those earlier. Six of the ten largest California fires ever recorded occurred in the last two years.
We are in the midst of a very serious global climate crisis of which human activity is the primary cause. But the problem is so huge and daunting, most people don’t know how we can overcome it or where we should start.
​
One place where meaningful change can occur is your local government, and San Marcos can be an example of a city that advances environmentally mindful policies designed to reduce carbon emissions.
The city adopted its first Climate Action Plan (CAP) in 2013 and updated it in 2020. A CAP is a long-range plan that outlines strategies that can be implemented to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The stated goals of the current CAP are to reduce citywide GHG emissions to 42 percent below 2012 levels by 2030. To get there, several strategies are advised, including, but not limited to, increasing the use of zero-emission vehicles, building energy efficiency, renewable energy usage, and urban tree cover.
​
These are all reasonable and admirable efforts, but the urgency of the times demands that we do more. Since Randy’s election in November 2018, he has been advocating that the city be more engaged on climate.
RANDY'S RECORD ON CLIMATE AND SUSTAINABILITY
-
In February 2019, Randy introduced a resolution against any further offshore drilling off the coast of Southern California. The effort was blocked by the current Mayor.
-
In December 2019, Randy initiated an ordinance to reduce the amount of single-use plastics in San Marcos. The law was passed in October 2021.
-
In June 2021, he championed efforts to move San Marcos to Community Choice Energy (CCE), which will help the city transition from relying on fossil fuels to clean energy. In November 2021 San Marcos voted to join Clean Energy Alliance.
​
​
AS YOUR MAYOR, RANDY WILL CONTINUE HIS FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE BY:
Taking intentional and ambitious steps towards the goals of San Marcos’ Climate Action Plan.
Create a staff position to oversee all sustainability efforts, including the Climate Action Plan, Community Choice Energy, and other green initiatives.
Develop an intra-city shuttle that operates on a regular and frequent schedule that moves individuals around the city to major employment centers, shopping, and schools.
Move toward a policy that requires most new homes and residential structures in the city to be 100% electric.
Create incentives for solar roofing and electric vehicle ownership.