Abstract
Purpose: This research seeks to identify environmental sustainability practices in public sector municipalities in Southern California communities. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework of this study is based on a proposed taxonomy and index moving toward a theory of Public Sector Environmental Sustainability, Leadership (ESL) drawn from a number of theories including Flannery and May's Environmental Leadership Theory, Ajzen's Theory of Planned Organizational Behavior, Wood's Social Issue Management (SIM), and Schwartz' Theory of Norms. Methodology: This research is based on secondary data acquired from several sources. First, a national study conducted by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). The study examined sustainability policies and programs for local government. Next, the data results from two Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) surveys were triangulated to sections of the ICMA survey. Finally, the database from UCLA's Luskin Center School of Public Affairs was merged with that of the San Gabriel Valley Energy Wise Partnership. These databases hold a compendium of municipal climate action plans and practices. Findings: Among the many challenges are the mandates set forth by state decree to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In the Southern California region, only 7% of the 189 SCAG cities have either developed or adopted sustainability related initiatives. Based on the research criteria, results reveal that only 16 cities are effectively working toward environmental sustainability practices. The findings infer that city norms, values, and behaviors patterns are evolving, albeit slowly, to include or increase sustainability actions. Given the high percent of cities at the low-level stage of action, indicates cities may not be doing enough to meet AB 32 mandates. Conclusions: The result of this study reflects California's sustainability practices in implementing AB 32 and SB 375 mandates at the local level. Only 30% of SCAG municipalities by strength of autonomy and opportunity have taken initiatives on environmental actions that affect all their facilities, operations, and properties. Much has already been set in motion as has been revealed in this study, but given the magnetite of what California policy wishes to accomplish will require fortitude, endorsement, and collaboration across jurisdictional boundaries.