Celebrating Clean Air Day with San José Clean Energy
Every year, Clean Air Day reminds us to think about what makes our air healthy—or unhealthy. Breathing polluted air can cause serious health problems, like asthma or cancer. Even using a gas stove at home can create harmful air inside, especially for children.
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) that cause climate change are also a concern. Here in San José, cars, trucks, and the gas we use in buildings make up the largest share of GHGs—about 72%. That means how we travel and power our homes makes the most significant difference for cleaner air.
What You Can Do on Clean Air Day
Each of us can take steps that add up to healthier air:
- Drive less or use public transit when possible.
- Pro tip: Try out the Transit app to plan your trip hassle-free.
- Go electric— upgrade those gas appliances for energy efficient electric ones – like a heat pump water heater, induction stovetop, or even an electric car. Get started here with San José Clean Energy.
- Save energy at home. Use less electricity during peak demand times and get a $20 bonus!
- Find more incentives that match your household needs with the Incentive Finder Tool
You can also take the Clean Air Day pledge to show your commitment. Small actions may not seem like much, but they create cleaner air for everyone.
Progress We’re Making Together
Our community has already made significant strides:
- Since 2008, San José has cut total greenhouse gas emissions by 36%, even as the city’s population and jobs have grown.
- San José Clean Energy provides every customer 62% renewable energy—like solar and wind. That’s nearly double the clean energy that investor-owned utilities offer while saving customers an average of 8%.
- As more people switch to electric vehicles, the clean electricity powering our homes also extends to our roads.
And the results are being noticed. In 2024, a study by StreetLight Data ranked San José as the #1 U.S. city for low-carbon transportation, thanks to strong electric vehicle use and fewer miles driven. Also, WalletHub ranked San José the 5th greenest city in the United States.
Looking Ahead
Want to get more involved? The City of San José is updating its 2025 Climate Smart plan and welcomes public comment! Attend a meeting on any of the dates below to provide feedback on how you’d like to see San José get more green:
- Transportation & Environment Committee — October 6, 2025
- City Council — October 21, 2025
This Clean Air Day, let’s celebrate our progress—and commit to going even further. Together, we can build a healthier, cleaner San José for all.
