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Date: |
September 15, 2026 |
04 |
Title
Adopt the San Diego County Regional Fuel Contingency Plan (Districts: All)
End
Overview
The County of San Diego Regional Fuel Contingency Plan (Plan) is a comprehensive framework that outlines how the County of San Diego (County) Office of Emergency Services (OES) will coordinate, prioritize, and manage scarce liquid fuel resources during a fuel shortage or disruption. The Plan provides a structured approach for assessing fuel impacts, aligning actions with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Community Lifelines framework, coordinating with public and private sector partners, and supporting continuity of operations for critical facilities and essential services across the region.
As the governing body of the Unified San Diego County Emergency Services Organization, the Unified Disaster Council (UDC), comprised of the County of San Diego Office of Emergency Services and representatives from the 18 incorporated cities, is responsible for regional emergency planning and preparedness. On April 16, 2026 (4F), the UDC approved the adoption of the Plan.
Today’s action requests the Board to adopt the Plan, which will support coordinated regional response actions during fuel shortages, enhance operational consistency across jurisdictions and special districts, and ensure the County maintains a fully integrated and comprehensive approach to emergency preparedness, response, and recovery.
Body
Recommendation by Chief Administrative Officer:
Adopt the County of San Diego Regional Fuel Contingency Plan, as approved by the Unified Disaster Council.
End
Equity Impact Statement
San Diego County is committed to ensuring that emergency management policies, plans, and actions within its Operational Area meaningfully include and support all individuals and communities. Fuel shortages can disproportionately affect individuals with disabilities and others with access and functional needs, older adults, and communities that rely on public transit or essential social services.
The prioritization framework of the County of San Diego Regional Fuel Contingency Plan (Plan) supports equitable outcomes by focusing first on life safety, critical healthcare services, water and wastewater operations, energy, transit, and other essential lifelines that support vulnerable populations. The San Diego County Operational Area continues to partner with community-based organizations, trusted messengers, and access and functional needs service providers, consistent with the region’s “Partner Relay” model, to disseminate timely and accessible information during emergency conditions.
The Plan also aligns with federal and State requirements, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and California Government Code § 8593.3, which require integrating access and functional needs considerations into emergency planning and response. Through these measures, the region aims to ensure that all programs, services, and activities related to fuel shortage response are inclusive and accessible to the maximum extent feasible.
Sustainability Impact Statement
Approval of the County of San Diego Regional Fuel Contingency Plan (Plan) supports the County of San Diego’s sustainability goals by helping the region maintain essential lifeline services during a fuel shortage. The Plan strengthens resiliency by establishing coordinated and efficient prioritization and assessment processes that support critical facilities and reduce potential impacts on vulnerable communities. It also contributes to sustainability by supporting clear public communication and operational coordination that limits unnecessary disruptions.
The Plan promotes economic and operational stability by helping critical infrastructure service providers maintain continuity of operations during disruptions, supporting broader community well-being. It incorporates best practices that encourage innovative and collaborative approaches to resource allocation and situational awareness. Together, these efforts support a sustainable and resilient emergency management system that benefits residents, essential workers, and partner organizations across the region.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with today’s request to adopt the County of San Diego Regional Fuel Contingency Plan, as approved by the Unified Disaster Council. There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years.
Business Impact Statement
N/A
Advisory Board Statement
The Unified Disaster Council, the governing body of the Unified San Diego County Emergency Services Organization, approved the County of San Diego Regional Fuel Contingency Plan on April 16, 2026 (4F).
Background
The County of San Diego Regional Fuel Contingency Plan (Plan) provides a coordinated and comprehensive framework for managing the impacts of regional fuel shortages or supply disruptions. The Plan outlines operational concepts for assessing fuel availability, evaluating impacts to essential services, and prioritizing fuel allocation to support critical functions across the Operational Area, which encompasses the unincorporated territory and all 18 jurisdictions. It also describes the responsibilities of key stakeholders, including County of San Diego (County) departments, cities, special districts, private sector entities, and supporting agencies.
The Plan integrates with established emergency management systems and aligns with the National Incident Management System and the Standardized Emergency Management System. The framework links regional assessment and fuel prioritization with the FEMA Community Lifelines framework to support a scalable and repeatable approach to evaluating and addressing impacts. The Plan details roles within the Operational Area Emergency Operations Center, including the Fuel Unit Leader, Fuel Liaison, and technical specialists, to support coordination with industry partners and essential service providers.
Development of the Plan included broad collaboration with regional partners, including the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, local jurisdictions, critical infrastructure operators, public safety agencies, healthcare partners, and utility providers. Stakeholder feedback was incorporated into the prioritization framework, operational processes, and communication strategies described in the Plan.
On April 16, 2026 (4F), the Unified Disaster Council approved the adoption of the Plan, consistent with its responsibilities as the governing body coordinating emergency services across San Diego County and its 18 incorporated cities. Adoption of the Plan supports the County’s emergency preparedness obligations under local ordinance and strengthens regional coordination during fuel shortages. Today’s action requests the Board of Supervisors to adopt the Plan as the region’s fuel contingency planning document.
Linkage To The County Of San Diego Strategic Plan
Today’s proposed action to approve the County of San Diego Regional Fuel Contingency Plan (Plan) supports the Sustainability, Equity, and Community Strategic Initiatives in the County of San Diego’s 2026-2031 Strategic Plan by enhancing the County’s ability to maintain essential services and support community resilience during disruptions. Approval of the Plan ensures the County is prepared to coordinate a comprehensive and effective response to regional fuel shortages affecting individuals, families, and essential service providers.
Respectfully submitted,
Ebony N. Shelton
Chief Administrative Officer
Attachment(s)
Attachment A - County of San Diego Regional Fuel Contingency Plan