Official: Chula Vista Not Doing Enough To Go Green

CHULA VISTA, Calif. -- "We definitely deserve a rightful place in terms of the Pantheon of greenest cities," Environmental Health Coalition spokesman Leo Miras said in April after Chula Vista announced it was considering seven new standards to make the city greener.

On Tuesday, Miras was singing a different tune.

"The City of Chula Vista, if they don't get their act together, not only should they not be considered a leader but maybe even at the bottom of the pack," said Miras.

The EHC said the city council took a step back last week and adopted seven weaker standards still aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

"… Either weak, voluntary, temporary, or filled with loopholes. It's really not going to get anything in the way of significant carbon reduction," said Miras.

Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox said, "Some members of the public would think we didn't go far enough. Perhaps some thought we went too far."

Cox said Chula Vista is still leading the charge towards going green.

"We set the standard, not only for San Diego County, but we think we're going to be highly competitive with other cities throughout the state," said Cox.

Miras said, "I think that's a major overstatement."

The city adopted seven measures, including switching city vehicles to alternative-fuel vehicles, and streamlining the process of purchasing and installing solar cells.

But Miras said the city watered down the standards.

"I'm concerned that they're not on the right path; that instead they're choosing to go on the path of green-washed measures," said Miras.

Cox said she hoped the city council would review the green standards within the next year and see if they are working, or if they need to be updated.