Major California planning document urges dramatic change in state's development

 New development in California needs to be designed from the start to conserve electricity and water, decrease driving time, improve air quality and promote a sustainable lifestyle, according to a landmark study of the state's future growth — written by Calthorpe Associates of Berkeley for the Strategic Growth Committee.

Vision California, the state's first major planning document in almost 30 years, is the result of a $2.5 million effort overseen by the Strategic Growth Committee, a Cabinet-level group that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger told to develop a state blueprint for growth. The plan was described in the San Francisco Chronicle as having no teeth, but nonetheless as taking "direct aim at today's development politics in California."

According to the Chronicle report, available here, a shift toward compact development in already established cities and toward bringing commuters closer to their jobs can help Californians drive 3.7 trillion fewer miles and save 140 billion gallons of gasoline by 2050. Planner Peter Calthorpe voiced hope that sustainable growth is inevitable because "market forces are just pushing us in this direction."