Examining Sustainable Development Policy in California Cities: 2011 Energy Sustainable California Communities Survey

Abstract

DOI 10.1515/cjpp-2012-0026 Calif. J. Politics Policy 2013; 5(4): 711–730 Myungjung Kwon* Examining Sustainable Development Policy in California Cities: 2011 Energy Sustainable California Communities Survey Abstract: In order to enhance both marketability and sustainability of the commu- nity, California cities seek a sustainable development policy which attempts to inte- grate sustainability programs into an economic development strategy. The author examines sustainable development policy in California cities and explores four research questions. First, to what extent are California cities interested in the adop- tion of sustainable development policy which integrates sustainability programs into their economic development strategy? Second, what policy efforts do Califor- nia cities currently undertake for a sustainable development policy? Third, what obstacles do California cities face in pursuing sustainable development policy? Fourth, what additional efforts do California cities need to undertake for a better and smarter sustainable development policy? This research develops a framework from literatures in economic development policy and sustainability policy for descriptive analyses using the 2011 Energy Sustainable California Communities Survey data. The findings from the descriptive and explanatory analyses indicate that considerable numbers of California cities are interested in sustainable devel- opment policy and engage in various efforts related to the policy, but lack of funds and political will discourage California cities from pursuing the policy effectively. Keywords: climate protection and energy sustainability policy actions; economic development strategies; green industries; sustainable development policy. *Corresponding author: Myungjung Kwon, California State University, Fullerton, Politics, Administration and Justice, 800 N. State College Blvd. Fullerton, CA 92834, USA, Tel.: +657-278-3809, e-mail: mkwon@fullerton.edu 1 Introduction Pollution and climate change are significant problems that demand governmen- tal action. State governments have adopted climate protection policy to tackle environmental policy issues. These policies often require local governments to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As a result, considerable numbers of