Santa Clara VTA Board adopts first-of-its-kind Climate Emergency Declaration

Feb. 11, 2020
Santa Clara VTA’s planned youth summit will further the focus by engaging with them to advocate for sustainability.

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Board approved a Declaration of Climate Emergency Feb. 6, which the agency says emphasizes the organization’s work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce congestion.

This action reasserts the commitment to developing Santa Clara VTA’s Climate Action Plan.

As an added focus on this critical issue, General Manager Nuria Fernandez announced Santa Clara VTA is planning a summit which will engage youth from throughout Santa Clara County in transportation advocacy efforts to sustain the planet.

“We want to engage the energy and passion we have seen from those championing this declaration at our meetings in our fight against climate change,” said Fernandez.

Partners who have committed to this event so far include the Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action, The Mineta Transportation Institute, and the offices of Board Member Dave Cortese and Board Chair and President of the Board of Supervisors Cindy Chavez.

In the coming weeks, Santa Clara VTA staff will reach out to members of the public who advocated for this resolution, as well as thought leaders, educators and researchers who are passionate advocates for the planet. Together, Santa Clara VTA’s work on Climate Change will continue, creating actionable outcomes with local city partners and the county of Santa Clara.

The full resolution is available on Santa Clara VTA’s website.