Bay Area's MTC approves plan to make 60% of workers remote by 2050

ByABC7 News Staff KGO logo
Friday, September 25, 2020
MTC approves plan to make 60% of workers remote by 2050
The Bay Area's Metropolitan Transportation Commission approved a controversial major employer mandate on Tuesday to keep 60 percent of their workers remote by 2050 to reduce the effects of climate change.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A controversial plan to force large Bay Area companies to keep employees working from home is moving forward.

It's not being fueled by coronavirus concerns, but rather climate change.

RELATED: Maps show how much pollution has dropped in the Bay Area since shelter-in-place orders

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission approved a mandate Thursday that would have employers keep 60-percent of their workers home by 2050.

Commission members say it would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 19 percent, whereas critics say retailers, restaurants, and public transit like Caltrain and BART will suffer heavily.

RELATED: What will traffic look like after COVID-19? Bay Area officials weigh in

The plan would be for companies with more than 25 employees, while businesses like grocery stores would be exempt.