Costa Mesa is making progress on its Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), a community-driven roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prepare for climate impacts, and support a healthier, more resilient city.  For more information and future events visit the CAAP webpage at : www.costamesaca.gov/CAAP

Environmental justice (EJ) focuses on promoting equitable access to clean, healthy, and safe environments. The City of Costa Mesa General Plan includes policies related to all eight State-mandated EJ topics: reducing pollution exposure, provide safe and sanitary homes, extending public services and facilities, increasing physical activity, improving access to healthy foods, addressing compounded health and safety risks, and promoting civic engagement. The City strives to address EJ throughout the community, but especially in areas disproportionately impacted by environmental pollution and degradation, as well as social and economic factors. 

Costa Mesa is exploring ways to improve EJ policies in the General Plan. Please attend the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and Environmental Justice Open House on April 30th, from 6 to 8 PM, at the City Hall Community Room to learn more and share your ideas. Comments about the City’s EJ policies can be provided online by emailing sustainability@costamesaca.gov. 

In partnership with Southern California Edison, the City has replaced 6150 streetlights throughout Costa Mesa from the high pressure sodium (HPS) light fixtures to light-emitting diodes(LEDs) to achieve energy savings and efficiency. LED fixtures have longer lifespan and provide improved visibility. Replacing the existing HPS streetlights with LEDs provided an energy efficient system that reduces the City’s monthly electricity bills and save on maintenance and operation costs.

Costa Mesa installed its first electric vehicles (EV) charging stations at City Hall, providing a total of nine EV charging ports residents, city staff and visitors can use. The project included a combination of four dual port Level II chargers to serve (8) EV parking spaces and (1) Fast DC Level III chargers. It was funded through the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Committee (MSRC) Local Government Partnership Program, Southern California Incentive Program (SCIP) and AQMD funds. The project facilitates EV ownership in Costa Mesa while supporting the City's greenhouse gas reduction and sustainability goals.

In early 2020, the City of Costa Mesa received Tree City USA recognition from Arbor Day Foundation. Tree City USA program provides direction, assistance and national recognition to participating cities while increasing awareness about the value of trees and the importance of sustainable tree management. It also provided the framework for a healthy, sustainable urban forestry program in cities. Costa Mesa residents join almost 50% of Californian that live in Tree City USA community.

In April 2019, City Council voted to prohibit the use or purchase of expanded polystyrene food service products at city facilities and during city-sponsored events. City leadership believes that we have a duty to future generations to clean up the mess that has been made and banning one material is not going to stop litter or decrease marine pollution. But by banning Styrofoam we can work to ensure that the material is reduced from entering our environment and human food chain. Government facility expanded polystyrene ban is the first step to curbing people's reliance on single-use plastics in the City.

In January 2019, City Council unanimously adopted Costa Mesa Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan that favors the use of least toxic pesticides, reduce the use of fertilizers and gives priority to organic materials. IPM provides aims to enhance the health and safety of the general public; and to protect the environment. The plan was developed with an ecosystem based strategy and exceeds regulations set forth by federal, State and County agencies, and establishes clear criteria for acceptable circumstances in which using an organic or low-level pesticide is prioritized. IPM includes a balanced approach between proper cultural practices, preventative practices, and the use of pesticides.