IRVINE, Calif. — The city of Irvine discussed its ongoing efforts to create a Climate Action and Adaptation Plan at its City Council meeting earlier this week.

“There has been some progress, but not as much as we would really hope for,” said City Council member Kathleen Treseder.

She pushed for a timeline that would help ensure the eventual implementation of the plan. City manager Oliver Chi said a draft of the plan, expected in June, is "definitely doable." He also said it's unlikely the plan can be implemented until next year.

Treseder has been at the front of a push for green policy initiatives for years, even before her election to the City Council in November. She has been an outspoken critic of the Orange County Power Authority leadership and has been pushing for the removal of CEO Brian Probolsky. 

Treseder and Irvine Vice Mayor Tammy Kim both appeared at a recent press conference, organized by environmental group Climate Action Campaign, calling for local government to create legally binding climate action plans.

At the press conference, Climate Action Campaign gave the county a failing grade. Irvine’s own plan has been in the works for over a year and likely won’t be ready to be implemented until next year.

During the meeting, Kim reiterated her support of affordable housing and that she doesn’t want the CAAP and regulatory hurdles involved to get in the way.

Treseder agreed, adding that the CAAP is also about keeping an eye on city resources.

The city already seeded the OCPA with $7 million with city officials and members of the power authority board raising questions about how the agency has spent money. Most recently, board members have complained about the legal firm the agency hired and have been in the process of finding a new lawyer to serve, while it conducts an extended search for a permanent solution.

“We have so many opportunities to address our climate goals that I really want to make sure that we’re wise about it and that we invest our money carefully in things that will have the biggest return for reducing our greenhouse gas emissions,” Treseder said.

The vote for a timeline passed with all four present members voting yes.