Juan Matute discusses why L.A.’s climate plan might not be accurately reporting emissions

Publication: San Diego Times

UCLA Expert: Juan Matute: Deputy Director, UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies; Lecturer in Urban Planning, Luskin School of Public Affairs

Synopsis: The city of San Diego calculates its vehicle greenhouse emissions are about 40% higher than that of L.A. One explanation could be the different carbon accounting methods used by each city. San Diego uses the Community Protocol for Accounting and Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions, a standard tool recommended by the state of California. L.A., on the other hand, has embraced the Global Protocol for Community-Scale Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

UCLA News: “L.A.’s the only U.S. city I’ve seen use this protocol, so it’s difficult to compare L.A.’s inventory with any other city,” said Matute, who helped develop the method adopted by San Diego. “I think the blame here goes to L.A. for doing their own thing,” he added. “San Diego’s looks more like what I would expect from a climate action plan.”

Read more at San Diego Times.