TO: SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
FROM: JEREMY SWAN, COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
DATE: FEBRUARY 23, 2026
SUBJECT:
Title
NATURAL GAS SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATE
Body
SUMMARY
At the November 17, 2025 Sustainability Committee meeting, the Committee appointed a Natural Gas Subcommittee. The Subcommittee was tasked with reviewing the Sustainable City Plan Goals, Indicators, and Action Items related to natural gas usage, and determining if any changes are recommended. The Natural Gas Subcommittee met in December 2025. A summary of the Subcommittee’s findings and recommendations is included in this report.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the Sustainability Committee receive and file this report.
Body
ALTERNATIVE TO RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the recommendation, there is the following alternative:
• Request more information.
ANALYSIS
The Natural Gas Subcommittee met in December 2025 to review Sustainable City Plan Goals, Indicators, and Action Items related to natural gas usage. The goal of the Subcommittee was to determine if any changes to the plan are recommended. Below is a summary of the Subcommittee’s findings:
• The current Sustainable City Plan Goals, Indicators, and Action Items are broad and adequate, but the Subcommittee would like to involve partners such as Sustainable Claremont to expand outreach and education on the topic of reducing natural gas usage and pursuing full electrification.
• Sustainable Claremont will begin a new initiative around full electrification, to include:
o Hosting a series of Community Dialogues about full home electrification.
o Providing resources and information about full electrification, including local case studies of homes that have successfully fully electrified.
o Preparing Letters to the Editor of the Courier regarding benefits of full electrification and the harmful impacts of natural gas usage.
• The City will advertise electrical appliance rebate programs (especially for heat-pumps, as available), free home-energy audits, and simple tips on how homeowners can reduce their natural gas usage.
• Sustainability Committee members or partner agencies may research successful outreach and education programs from other cities and provide suggested resources or articles to City staff for consideration. Any articles printed by the City must be fact-based, unbiased, and concise, and will focus on education, practical tips, and resources.
The Natural Gas Subcommittee expressed interest in performing advocacy work as individuals by writing Letters to the Editor, etc. As a reminder, Brown Act committee members must remain neutral and avoid taking public positions on matters that may come before them for consideration or action. Public advocacy on such topics can undermine the Committee’s obligation to deliberate openly, fairly, and without bias on behalf of the public. Any questions or concerns about advocacy work can be directed to staff and the City Attorney for consultation.
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
The agenda and staff report for this item have been posted on the City website and distributed to interested parties. If you desire a paper copy, please contact the Community Services Department.
Submitted by: Prepared by:
Jeremy Swan Kristin Mikula
Community Services Director Community Services Manager