Building A Cleaner San Francisco
San Francisco has historically been a leader in environmental policy. However, recent years have seen a departure from this trend, driven by expediency, political maneuvering, or short-term cost-cutting measures by our City Leaders.
One notable achievement was the funding approval for upgrading our water treatment centers, with the anticipation of modernizing water reuse laws by the State. This move positions San Francisco to potentially become a net producer of clean drinking water, aligning with our city’s commitment to sustainability.
Similarly, our Board of Supervisors mandated solar or green roofs seven years ago, demonstrating early recognition of the importance of eco-friendly infrastructure. However, challenges arose in housing development projects approved around the same time, highlighting discrepancies between environmental planning and housing needs. Streamlining the longest housing approval process in California can redirect resources towards environmentally friendly and resilient housing solutions.
To regain our environmental leadership, we must refocus on putting the environment at the forefront of decision-making, paving the way for a better and cleaner San Francisco.