Palo Alto has cut community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by half since 1990, even as the city's population grew 22% over the same period.

The city published its "Sustaining Our Future" update on Thursday, Sept. 3, reporting that 2024 emissions stood 50.2% below 1990 levels. That puts the city on the path toward its "80 x 30" goal of cutting emissions 80% below 1990 levels and reaching carbon neutrality by 2030.

The remaining reductions will be harder.

Transportation still accounts for 64.1% of the city's emissions, and natural gas use in homes and buildings makes up another 31.9%. Together, those two sources represent roughly 96% of what Palo Alto still produces.

EVs gaining ground

One in four Palo Alto households now drives an electric vehicle, and EVs made up 55% of new vehicle sales as of 2025, according to the city. The city itself operates 41 electric vehicles, including cars, vans, trucks, e-bikes and public safety vehicles.

The Palo Alto Police Department added a Rivian R1S electric patrol vehicle in 2025 and a second electric model in 2026. City staff also gained an e-bike fleet to replace short car trips during the workday.

GreenWaste of Palo Alto, the city's waste hauler, has been part of the push since 2017, when it debuted what it called the world's first full-sized all-electric refuse truck in collaboration with the city.

Natural gas still a challenge

Natural gas use in city-owned facilities dropped 45% from the 2016 baseline by 2024. Residential buildings are a bigger lift. More than 800 heat pump water heater installations have been completed through city programs as of August 2026, according to the city's update.

Palo Alto sources its electricity from 100% clean energy, so every home that switches from gas to electric appliances directly reduces emissions.

The city's Electrify My Home program covers heat pump water heaters as well as heating and cooling systems, induction cooking equipment and other major appliances, according to the city.

Residents can receive an extra $500 off a heat pump water heater through Oct. 31. The discount applies to projects completed through the Electrify My Home program or reserved through the city's Rebate Hub by that date. It stacks on top of existing city rebates. Heat pump water heaters use up to 70% less energy than standard models, according to the city.

The road to 2030

The City Council reviewed progress on the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) on March 2 and approved a work plan for 2026 and 2027. No next public meeting date for the emissions effort has been announced.

Residents interested in the Electrify My Home program can call (650) 713-3411.