LOS ANGELES (April 24, 2024) — The Board of Commissioners of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), the nation’s largest municipal utility and a leading advocate for environmental sustainability, recently approved a far-reaching and impactful motion that will result in the integration of biodiversity initiatives and nature based solutions throughout the Department’s operations. The action reaffirms LADWP’s dedication to biodiversity preservation and equitable environmental stewardship.
“When we discuss resiliency or climate change, we’re really talking about nature-based solutions that transform how we interact with our environment,” said Mia Lehrer, Board of Water and Power Commissioner. “At LADWP, this translates to implementing green infrastructure to mitigate flood risks, enhance water quality, and increase urban biodiversity, fostering resilient communities ready to face future challenges. By integrating sustainability in city planning, environmental management, and innovative design, we aim to transform urban landscapes into thriving ecosystems.”
“As a steward for over 300,000 acres of land, LADWP has a responsibility to ensure that with its operational practices honor and learn from the original caretakers of that land and responsibly steward our watersheds for future generations.” said Nurit Katz, Board of Water and Power Commissioner.
Moving forward, LADWP will continue to advance environmental stewardship initiatives and promote equity and conservation efforts. The motion calls for future plans to include:
- Evaluating LADWP properties within underserved communities that could be converted to native plant gardens or restoration areas to increase access to nature for vulnerable communities.
- Working with Human Resources to evaluate existing resources and classifications and identify any additional classifications (i.e. conservation biologist, urban ecologist, landscape architect, etc.) needed to support biodiversity efforts in the Los Angeles area.
“On behalf of Sierra Club, I would like to express support for the Motion on biodiversity access to nature and nature-based solutions,” said Julia Dowell, Senior Field Organizer for Sierra Club. “We are committed to supporting LADWP in achieving their goal of 100% clean energy by 2035 and urge you to do everything in your power to protect natural lands within LADWP’s jurisdiction and to enhance equity and access to nature for all Angelenos.”
“Heal the Bay supports this motion, which seeks to institutionalize and integrate biodiversity, habitat enhancement, and nature-based solutions throughout LADWP operations and management,” said Dr. Katherine Pease, Director of Science and Policy, Heal the Bay. “We applaud LADWP for taking this step to be a leader in Los Angeles and help achieve the goal in LA’s Green New Deal of no net loss of native biodiversity by 2035.”
In the face of increasing environmental challenges posed by climate change, LADWP has proactively undertaken several significant initiatives aimed at safeguarding biodiversity and promoting environmental equity. Key accomplishments include:
Stormwater Capture: LADWP has invested more than $130 million in stormwater capture infrastructure to help recharge groundwater aquifers and help meet the Department’s stormwater capture goal. Projects range from smaller, local green streets to larger spreading grounds and dam improvement projects.
Shade Tree Planting: LADWP has a long-standing institutional practice of sponsoring and facilitating shade tree planting in partnership with City Plants to combat urban heat island effect. Urban canopy investments have yielded 5MWh of energy savings and helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 4,000 metric tons annually, which is roughly equivalent to removing 1,000 cars off the road each year.
Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Projects: LADWP has actively participated in habitat restoration efforts in the Eastern Sierra, collaborating with state and federal agencies and the local voices to rehabilitate ecosystems and preserve critical wildlife habitats. The Department’s Lower Owens River Project covers 78,000 acres on City of Los Angeles land, including one of the longest river restoration projects in the country (62 miles). LADWP has over 100 environmental initiatives in Inyo and Mono Counties related to protecting and sustaining the environment. LADWP also partners with local community groups to enhance the Chatsworth Nature Preserve (CNP), which is the only nature preserve in the City of Los Angeles.
Biodiversity Monitoring and Research: Through partnership with research institutions, such as the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), LADWP has supported biodiversity programs that protect the health of ecosystems, such as: conducting a carbon analysis of LADWP natural lands in the City and in Owens Valley; initiating a monarch butterfly assessment study to map monarch butterfly pathways along LADWP lands and transmission lines; and co-chairing the Power in Pollinators the largest known collaboration of electric companies to advance shared research, tools, and resources for pollinator management across millions of acres of land they manage.
Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) Practices: LADWP has proactively sought out opportunities to create spaces along its rights-of-way in underserved communities, specifically in the San Fernando Valley, such as installing the Whitnall Highway Off-Leash Dog Park, an indoor pod farm with harvests directly benefitting the local community, and a pollinator habitat and plant nursery maintained by LADWP crews.
The new motion provides a road map to ensure that future activities align with these existing initiatives and help LADWP maximize the protection and preservation of the environment and the health and well-being of all Angelenos.
# # #
