Virtually Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day

On this day 50 years ago, the first Earth Day was held to bring awareness to environmental issues. Palo Alto has long been a leader in sustainability since establishing its first Climate Protection Plan in 2007.

Webinar to Gain Input for Sustainability & Climate Action Plan

The 2020 S/CAP Community Engagement Workshop scheduled for Tuesday, March 31 at Mitchell Park Community Center will now be a pre-recorded webinar series to gain community insight.

Celebrate Earth Day from the Safety of Your Home This Year

Not just on Earth Day, but everyday, Palo Alto is one of many cities leading by example in our efforts to be more sustainable and support the environment.

Resources to Give or Get Help During Shelter in Place

Navigating the coronavirus health crisis and the statewide shelter in place is a challenge for everyone, especially the most vulnerable populations in our community.

Pitch in to Help Palo Alto Reach its Sustainability Goals

Palo Alto is developing a 2020 Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) to help meet its sustainability priorities, including its goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2030.

Council Selects its 2020 Priorities

Palo Alto Council Members chose the 2020 Priorities they will focus on this year at the annual Council Retreat held on Saturday, February 1 at Mitchell Park Community Center.

City’s Urban Forester Promotes Stewardship of Trees

Walter Passmore, the City of Palo Alto’s Urban Forester, says he is extremely enthusiastic about the Art Center’s winter exhibition, Rooted: Trees in Contemporary Art.

Rail Crossings are Subject of Upcoming Town Halls

Stay on track of all things rail related with Connecting Palo Alto. We have a series of rail town halls coming up starting with the first one on February 20,

Priority Development Areas (PDAs) and Priority Conservation Areas (PCAs)

City of Palo Alto Utilities Wins Smart Energy Provider Award

Recognized for energy efficiency, distributed generation, and environmental initiatives.

Sustainable Building Electrification Plan Adopted by Council

A new building electrification plan was adopted by Council on Nov. 4. It includes ways Palo Alto can be more sustainable and move towards electrification.

Reuse Zone Expands to Divert Waste of Gently Used Products

The City of Palo Alto’s Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Program is celebrating the expansion and reopening of its HHW Reuse Zone with Mayor Eric Filseth leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, November 7 at 10 a.m.

Preparedness Brochures Translated: Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Spanish

You can now download our emergency preparedness brochures in four new languages: Chinese (Simplified), Korean, Russian, and Spanish.

We Are #CommunityPowered - Celebrating Public Power & Natural Gas Week

Oct 6-12, join us in celebrating your community-owned utility empowering Palo Alto for over 100 years!

GreenWaste Expands Clean Up Day Service

GreenWaste is expanding its Clean Up Day service starting in September. The Clean Up Day service provides curbside collection of bulky items, excess recyclables and yard trimmings, and other items.

Public Works launches new, first of its kind, Mobile Department Operations Center

The Mobile Department Operations Center and field Incident Command Post for Palo Alto Public Works Department supports public safety – a joint project with Office of Emergency Services.

Mayor's "Green Business Leader" Recognition Awards

Palo Alto businesses who earned EPA Energy Star & LEED status were recognized at the City Council meeting on August 19.

State Proposes $21M for EV Charging in Santa Clara County

The California Energy Commission is partnering with five local energy agencies to launch an incentive project for the installation of public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations throughout Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.

State Proposes $33M in New Funding for Electric Vehicle Charging in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties

The California Energy Commission is partnering with five local energy agencies to launch an incentive project for the installation of public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations throughout Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.

Try an Induction Cooktop For Free!

Go electric with an electric induction cooktop! Not sure about it? Try one out for free with CPAU and Acterra's induction cooktop loaner program.

City of Palo Alto Utilities & Wildfire Safety

PG&E may shut off power in parts of the state if conditions create a wildfire risk. Read about potential impacts in Palo Alto.

Gas Safety Brochure Now Available

Stay up to date on gas safety with the gas safety brochure online.

2018 Water Quality Report Now Available

This year's annual water quality report is now available! Find out how you can get a copy.

Palo Alto's Ban to Keep Plastics Out of Ocean and Landfill

Palo Alto just might be ground zero in the rejuvenated war against plastics. On Monday, June 10, Council approved one of the region’s strictest restrictions on plastics by banning plastic straws, produce and meat bags, utensils and other single-use items that bypass the recycling sorting process.

Palo Alto Earns National Energy Innovator Award

We are honored to accept the National Energy Innovator Award from the American Public Power Association for our Home Efficiency Genie program!

Prepare for Seismic Hazards & Other Emergencies

The large magnitude earthquakes that occurred in Southern California’s Mojave Desert on July 4 and 5 serve as a reminder of how important it is to be prepared for an emergency.

Climate-Friendly Sludge Treatment to Replace Aging Incinerator

Palo Alto is ushering in more environmentally-friendly technologies to handle sewage sludge at its Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) on Embarcadero Way.

Thank You! Great Race for Saving Water & Earth Day Fest

We had a blast with the entire community on April 13. Check out photos & race results here.

Earth Day Report Highlights Gas Emission Decline

Palo Alto has long been a leader in sustainability and continues to make significant progress toward achieving its Greenhouse Gas Emissions reduction goal of 80 percent (from 1990 levels) by the year 2030, as highlighted in the latest Earth Day Report going to the City Council on April 15. The Council has made Climate Change one of their priorities for 2019.

Gear Up for Bike to Work Day

Get your bike in gear for the 25^th annual Bay Area Bike to Work Day on Thursday, May 9.

Palo Alto Kicks Off its 125th Birthday with Palo Alto Day

Palo Alto turns 125 years young this year! Palo Alto Day is one of many celebrations throughout the year to mark this milestone.

Bikeshare and E-Scooter Pilot Ramps Up

Palo Alto’s bikeshare and e-scooter program is being renewed for another full year. On Monday, March 18, Council adopted a resolution extending the Bikeshare and E-Scooter Pilot Program for one year through March 31, 2020.

Council Adopts Sea Level Rise Policy

Recognizing that sea level rise is an issue that will affect all of Palo Alto for generations to come, Council adopted a new policy that directs staff to study the issue further and propose an adaptation plan.

Palo Alto Earns 5th Consecutive Tree Line USA Award

For the 5th year in a row, Palo Alto is recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation for delivering safe and reliable electricity while maintaining healthy community trees.

Churchill Ave and Tunnel Focus of Next Connecting Palo Alto Meeting

The Churchill Avenue rail crossing, a possible citywide tunnel and traffic data will be the focus of the next Connecting Palo Alto Meeting on Wednesday, March 27.

Caltrain Electrification Prep Work Begins in Palo Alto

It's full speed ahead with the Caltrain Electrification project as Caltrain began work in Palo Alto this week.

Green Stormwater Infrastructure Plan Unveiled

The City has prepared a final draft report outlining how it will incorporate Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) features into its urban landscape over several decades.

Connecting Palo Alto Still on Track Despite Governor Newsom's Announcement

Governor Gavin Newsom’s State of the State announcement that high-speed rail will only run from Merced to Bakersfield doesn’t slow down Palo Alto’s plans to accommodate more frequent Caltrain service along the City’s four crossings.

Virtual Pop-Up Library Offers e-Books

The Palo Alto City Library is branching out, as it launches three Pop Up Libraries to introduce the joy of reading eBooks.

New Downtown Garage On Hold

Plans to build a new downtown garage on Hamilton Avenue and Waverly Street are on hold for now.

Council Adopts 2019 Priorities

The City Council adopted its priorities for 2019 at the annual Council Retreat held Saturday, Feb.2 in the Community Meeting Room at City Hall.

On Track with Connecting Palo Alto

City staff updated Council on the Connecting Palo Alto rail grade separation efforts at its meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 22 and showed a video simulation of what a tunnel construction would look like.

Become a Cool Block Palo Alto Leader

It’s not too late to become a Cool Block leader. The next informational meeting will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 16 from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Midtown Room at the Mitchell Park Library.

Natural Gas Prices Spiked in December - Here's How to Save on Energy Costs

January utility bills may be higher than usual for gas use in December. Here are some tips to help keep your bill low at home & work.

Cool Block Expands, Seeks New Block Leaders

You can lower your carbon footprint, get to know your neighbors and reinvent our City starting in your very own neighborhood at the next Cool Block Palo Alto meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m. in the Lucie Stern Community Room.

City & VMware Explore Microgrid Partnership

VMware announced its intent to explore developing a microgrid with the City of Palo Alto that will serve as a testbed for the company and the City to explore the potential of microgrids to advance resiliency at the corporate and community level.

City Wins Voice of the People Award

Recognized for excellence in the natural environment & being a top performing jurisdiction that best listens & acts for community benefits.

Palo Alto's Sustainability Journey: Past, Present, and Future

Palo Alto has had an amazing sustainability journey – with both accomplishments and substantial challenges ahead. There’s plenty to be proud of. We have accomplished a lot and have built upon a powerful foundation from the past. A few examples where Palo Alto is leading the way:

Palo Alto Businesses Recognized for Waste-Reduction

ReThink Disposable businesses in Palo Alto were honored for making changes that eliminate half a million disposable packaging items per year.

Peninsula Cities Team Up to Create Connected Bikeway

The cities of Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Mountain View, and Redwood City are teaming up to create a connected Peninsula Bikeway. Join the kick-off event on Saturday, Sept. 8.

Free EV Ride & Drive on Sunday, Sept. 16

Palo Alto is charged up for National Drive Electric Week and to celebrate, the City is co-sponsoring a FREE electric vehicle (EV) ride and drive on Sept. 16.

2017 Water Quality Report Now Available

Updated information on Palo Alto's water quality conditions for the year 2017.

Palo Alto Teams Up with Girl Scouts in Straw Awareness Campaign

Did you know 500 million straws are used each day in the United States alone? Plastic straws are one of the top 10 marine debris items found on our beaches. Unlike compostable items, plastic never disappears, instead it breaks down into tinier pieces that marine life can mistake as food. Join Girl Scout Troop 60016 in their campaign to go strawless!

Earth Day Report Shows Steady Progress

The City’s latest Earth Day report shows that in 2017 Palo Alto reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions an estimated 43 percent from the baseline year of 1990 levels – and six percent more than the previous year, largely as a result of the City’s commitment to carbon neutral electricity and natural gas.

Bioblitz Uncovers Over 250 Species at Baylands

Nearly 90 citizen scientists made the Bioblitz at the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve a success on Feb. 17.

Utilities Rebate for HP Energy Efficiency Pays Back with New Sustainable Garden

HP unveiled a new sustainable garden at its global headquarters in Palo Alto, partly funded by a rebate from the City of Palo Alto Utilities for an energy efficiency project at the campus.

Citizen Science Volunteers Invited to the Baylands Bioblitz

The Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve is hosting a citizen science event called a Bioblitz on Saturday, Feb. 17. A Bioblitz is an intensive one-day observational study of biodiversity in a specific location, bringing scientists and volunteer citizen-scientists together.

Mayor's Annual Tree Planting Includes Employee Recognition

The 22nd Annual Canopy Tree Planting and Awards Ceremony welcoming Palo Alto's newly elected mayor, Liz Kniss, will take place on Thursday, Jan. 25.

Complete Comp Plan 2030 Available Online

The City Council adopted an updated Comprehensive Plan last November that outlines the city’s vision or blueprint through 2030. You can now view the full document online.

Palo Alto City Council Approves Changes to Solar Program

Current Net Energy Metering program is extended through December 31, 2017.

Council Passes Near-Term Actions to Fight Climate Change

On Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, the City Council unanimously passed the Sustainability Implementation Plan or SIP, which is the next phase of the City’s Sustainability and Climate Action Plan.

Palo Alto to Buy “Carbon Offsets” from Sister City, Oaxaca, Mexico

The City is working with sister city, Oaxaca, Mexico, on a forestry project to help offset carbon dioxide emissions associated with natural gas use in the Palo Alto community.

The Benefits of Not Driving Alone

The population of Palo Alto more than doubles each workday, with tens of thousands of employees driving to work in our city. Since transportation accounts for an estimated two-thirds of Palo Alto’s greenhouse gas emissions, encouraging commuters to either carpool or take public transit has proven economic and environmental benefits.

Palo Alto Receives Top Award for Climate Change Leadership

Palo Alto will be recognized as the first city to achieve a Platinum Level Beacon Award – the highest level possible - for its efforts and leadership in addressing climate change when Mayor Greg Scharff accepts the prestigious recognition in front of hundreds of elected leaders from throughout California at this year’s League of California Cities Annual Conference on Sept. 14.

Downtown Commuter Program Helps Drive Down 'Drive Alone' Rate

Fewer employees are driving alone to work in downtown Palo Alto, according to the 2017 Downtown Palo Alto Employee Survey.

Where Does Your Water Go? - Palo Alto Baylands Lunchtime Walk, September 21

In conjunction with Pollution Prevention Week (September 18 - 24), learn about the history and importance of the Palo Alto Baylands ecosystem and see where the Bay receives wastewater from homes and businesses after it's been cleaned and treated by the Regional Water Quality Control Plant.

Visualizing Sustainable Solutions, August 14 - 17

Where can we go to grapple with the critical issues of our time? How can we understand the complex interactions that characterize "wicked problems"—and the multiple perspectives of diverse stakeholders--to enable us to find and agree on better solutions?

Palo Alto Paves the Way for More Electric Vehicles with Local Renewable Energy

On Monday, July 24, the City of Palo Alto unveiled new solar panels installed atop parking carports of two public garages and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations that are powered by the renewable energy generated on-site.

Spare the Air, Cool the Climate

While Palo Alto has been making impressive progress in reducing its carbon footprint, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District has also been developing strategies for a post-carbon economy.
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Mayor Scharff Vows to Uphold Paris Agreement

President Trump this afternoon announced the United States' withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement of 2015, marking a major shift from our international partners, and a move that would hamper our nation’s global efforts to curb global warming.
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Council to Consider Actions Needed to Reach Emissions Reduction Goal

Fewer cars, more electrification, less waste, greener buildings, flood protection, and ways to finance it all are among Key Actions the City Council will consider as new components of the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan on the agenda for April 17.
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Palo Alto 2017 Earth Day Report Shows Steady Progress, Challenges for Future

The City of Palo Alto continued to make steady progress in lowering Greenhouse Gas emissions over the past year with the City Council adopting the goal of an 80 percent reduction (from baseline 1990 levels) by 2030 as part of the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan draft.
Palo Alto 2017 Earth Day Report Shows Steady Progress, Challenges for FutureMore...

Make Water Conservation a Way of Life

Learn about your Palo Alto water supply, precipitation conditions, water use rules and efficiency measures to help you save!

2017 Earth Day Festival and the Great Race for Saving Water

Celebrate Earth Day with the community at a family-friendly festival and 5K fun run/walk to raise awareness about water resources, conservation and a healthy planet!
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Special Message from Mayor Scharff on Climate Change Letter

Read the special message from Mayor Scharff on the Mayors' National Climate Action Agenda letter.
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Celebrating the 2017 Silicon Valley Water Conservation Awards

On World Water Day, water conservation leaders were honored for their work
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CPAU Scores Top Marks with Residential Electric Customers

The research finds Palo Alto residential customer satisfaction strong and solid on virtually every dimension, including power delivery reliability, customer service, and utility communication.
CPAU Scores Top Marks with Residential Electric CustomersMore...

2017 Electric Vehicle Ride and Drive Event

Test drive an electric vehicle at the Stanford Shopping Center on Thursday, February 23!
2017 Electric Vehicle Ride and Drive EventMore...

Share Your Priorities for 2017 with Palo Alto City Council

What priorities would like to see the Palo Alto City Council adopt in 2017? You are invited to share your thoughts on Open City Hall.
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Council Adopts the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) Framework

The City Council adopted the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) Framework at its meeting on Monday, Nov. 28, 2016, including its Guiding Principles, Decision Criteria, Design Principles, and key Goals and Strategies, as the road map for development of subsequent S/CAP Implementation Plans.

Palo Alto: Designing Our Path to 2030

Palo Alto has long been a leader in sustainability, adopting one of the first municipal climate action plans in the U.S. in 2007, delivering carbon neutral electricity, and partnering with our community to develop a vision for an innovative, carbon neutral city of the future. Poised to take the next step as a climate and sustainability leader - with one of the boldest municipal climate goals in the country - Palo Alto is on the right path to achieve a prosperous, resilient city for all residents, thanks in part to the contributions of hundreds of community members.
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Regional Consortium Wins $1 Million Federal Grant for Technology-based Commute Alternatives

A regional consortium of stakeholders has teamed up to win a $1 million federal grant for a demonstration project to reduce single-occupant vehicle driving from 75 percent to 50 percent in the Bay area.
Regional Consortium Wins $1 Million Federal Grant for Technology-based Commute AlternativesMore...

Cool Block Pilot Program Seeks New Neighborhood Blocks to Participate

The second phase of the Cool Block pilot program is about to get underway and additional neighborhood blocks are invited to participate.
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City of Palo Alto Received the 2016 California Energy Efficiency Industry Council Energy Champion Award

The City of Palo Alto's Development Services department announced today that it has received the 2016 Energy Champion Award from the California Energy Efficiency Industry Council (CEEIC).
City of Palo Alto Received the 2016 California Energy Efficiency Industry Council Energy Champion AwardMore...

Council Approves 350 Bike, SoBi Bike Share System

At its meeting on Oct. 4, the City Council unanimously approved a citywide Bike Share system with fleet of 350 Social Bicycles (SoBi) as part of the regional Ford GoBike system.
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Palo Alto and Leading U.S. Cities Partner on Guidelines for Smart Cities

The White House announced a new partnership between Palo Alto and twenty U.S. cities, along with the newly formed Council of Global City Chief Information Officers, to ensure the responsible and equitable deployment of smart city technologies.
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Groundbreaking for Baylands Major Flood Protection Project

Mayor Pat Burt participated in the groundbreaking for a massive flood-control project along the San Francisquito Creek designed to provide more than 5,700 homes and businesses in Palo Alto, East Palo Alto and Menlo Park with 100-year creek flood protection.
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Palo Alto Awarded Gold Status as a Bicycle Friendly Community

Palo Alto was awarded gold level status as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB).
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Council Adopts 80 x 30 Goal and Framework for Climate Action Plan

The City Council adopted the general framework of the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) at its meeting on Monday, April 18, 2016.

City of Palo Alto Ranks in National Top 10 for Most Solar Watts per Customer

Utility ranked third out of more than 300 utilities nationwide for 2015!

City of Palo Alto Utilities Named 2016 Tree Line USA by Arbor Day Foundation

Utility is recognized for second year in a row for demonstrating how trees and utilities can co-exist for community and citizen benefits.

City Of Palo Alto to Solarize City-Owned Parking Structures and Enable Its Electric Vehicle Future

With support from the Clean Coalition, the City of Palo Alto creates a new model for deploying local renewables on municipal properties.
City Of Palo Alto to Solarize City-Owned Parking Structures and Enable Its Electric Vehicle FutureMore...

Palo Alto Announces New EV Charging Stations in Downtown Parking Garages

The City of Palo Alto has installed new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in downtown-area parking garages. Two dual-port charging stations have been installed at the Cowper-Webster Garage (520 Webster St.) and one dual-port station in the High Street Garage (528 High St.). The new stations are ChargePoint Level 2 chargers which became fully operational on July 30, 2015.
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City of Palo Alto Approves New Green Building and Energy Reach Code Ordinances

On April 20, 2015 the Palo Alto City Council unanimously approved a new green building ordinance and a new energy reach code ordinance, with a targeted effective date of June 20, 2015.

The ordinances outline local amendments to the 2013 California Green Building Code, Title 24, Chapter 11 and the 2013 California Energy Code, Title 24, Chapter 6. The California Green Building Code addresses requirements related to site design, water efficiency, materials and air quality. The Energy Code addresses requirements related to energy efficiency. The ordinances will impact both residential and non-residential projects.


City of Palo Alto Approves New Green Building and Energy Reach Code OrdinancesMore...

Palo Alto Earth Day Report Shows Progress, Significant Challenges Ahead

The City has already surpassed the initial climate protection goal set by the City Council in 2007 and is now looking to set new goals.
Palo Alto Earth Day Report Shows Progress, Significant Challenges AheadMore...

Palo Alto Awarded Top Honors in Acterra Business Environmental Awards for Sustainability

The City has been selected as a 2015 Business Environmental Award winner and recipient of the Acterra Award for Sustainability.
Palo Alto Awarded Top Honors in Acterra Business Environmental Awards for SustainabilityMore...

CPAU Scores Top Marks for Customer Satisfaction

The City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) scored top marks again in a nationwide survey of utility customers for large business customer satisfaction.
CPAU Scores Top Marks for Customer SatisfactionMore...

Wastewater Long Range Facilities Planning

Information about the Wastewater Long Range Facilities Plan, including goals, meetings, maps and policies is located here. Extensive public outreach and notification was given throughout the process.
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2009 Plastic Bag Restrictions

The purpose of this summary is to provide information about Palo Alto's Comprehensive Reusable Bag Program, and list reports provided to the City Manager's office.
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Council Adopts Updated Plan for 2030

The City Council has adopted an updated Comprehensive Plan that outlines the city’s vision for land use, transportation, parks, housing and other elements key to community quality of life.

Reduce Plastics in Our Creeks and Bay

Plastic items like single-use water bottles, food wrappers and "Styrofoam" pieces continue to end up in our creeks. This page summarizes the City's work on reducing plastics in our local creeks, wetlands and Bay.
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Reporting Spills, Dumping, and Back-Ups

If you notice any unusual substance in or around a storm drain, or if you see someone dumping anything into the storm drain, street, or gutter, to local creeks or the Bay, or elsewhere in the outdoor environment, call 650-329-2413 immediately!
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