energy

Ontario, California has been focusing on renewable energy sources, significantly solar and wind power. The region has incentives such as the Net Energy Metering (NEM) program allowing residential and commercial solar panel owners to sell excess electricity back to the grid. Moreover, the California Solar Initiative provides cash back for installing solar on homes and businesses. Ontario is part of the California cap-and-trade program, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. Local utility companies offer various energy efficiency programs, including rebates for energy-efficient appliances and retrofit programs for buildings to enhance energy conservation. The city's Energy Action Plan outlines strategies to increase energy efficiency in municipal operations, and there's an effort to upgrade public lighting to LED technology, which consumes less energy and reduces costs.

water

Water efficiency is a critical issue for Ontario, given California's history of drought conditions. The city operates under the Save Our Water program, encouraging residents to adopt water-saving practices. The Chino Basin Water Conservation District offers workshops, incentives for water-efficient landscaping, and rebates for installing water-saving fixtures. Ontario is investing in infrastructure to capture stormwater for recharge purposes, enhancing local groundwater supplies. Water recycling and reuse programs are being expanded, with new technologies for wastewater treatment to reduce potable water usage in landscaping and industrial processes. Residents are also encouraged to report water waste, such as leaks or over-irrigation, as part of community-wide water conservation efforts.

transportation

Transportation efficiency in Ontario is focused on reducing vehicle emissions and promoting alternative modes of transit. The city benefits from the Metrolink train service, connecting it to the broader Southern California region, while local bus services like OmniTrans provide public transportation options. The city is supportive of the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, incentivizing the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles. Bike lanes and pedestrian paths are being expanded under the Active Ontario Plan, making non-motorized transit safer and more convenient. Ontario's Transportation Demand Management (TDM) programs aim to reduce single-occupancy vehicle use, and there are carpool and vanpool incentives. The city has also installed several electric vehicle charging stations to support the transition to electric vehicles.

waste

Waste management in Ontario is guided by California's ambitious recycling and waste reduction goals, aiming for a statewide 75% reduction in waste disposed by 2025. Ontario has made strides with curbside recycling programs for residential and commercial properties and electronic waste recycling events. The city encourages composting organic waste and has yard waste collection programs. Businesses are urged to participate in waste audits and reduction programs. The CalRecycle's RMDZ program offers low-interest loans and grants to businesses that use secondary waste materials to create new products, thus promoting a circular economy. Ontario also has hazardous waste disposal programs, ensuring proper treatment and reducing environmental impact.