Bottom Line: The City/County Association of Governments' Utilities Task Force has developed a countywide strategy, involving the cities and the County, as an approach to guaranteeing sufficient utility infrastructure, to preserve natural resources and to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.

San Mateo County cities have three critical reasons to develop and follow an energy strategy, 1) the ever increasing financial cost of energy and water, 2) the impact that creating additional energy related infrastructure will have on local communities, and 3) the increasing concern about climate change and its effect. As the Sate Legislature continues to develop new climate protection legislation it is imperative to implement a strategy that puts the county and local government in control of the situation rather than being controlled by it.

The objective of the San Mateo County Energy Strategy is to frame the discussion and to define practical actions for the cities and the county about water, energy, alternative energy, and climate protection. It also recommends a countywide effort including goals as well as concrete, clear strategies, actions and resources to reach the goals.

The San Mateo County Energy Strategy recommends immediate action to promote energy efficiency and water conservation measures. Working collaboratively, we can do a lot to reduce costs, save our resources and the environment. Critical to achieving the goals set forth in the San Mateo County Energy Strategy is to engage all the cities and the County in adopting and implementing the proposed strategies. The San Mateo County Energy Strategy also strongly urges the creation of new sources of alternative energy generation and the exploration of new water sources including recycled water.

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