August 2018
Source Reduction Assistance Program, $2M
2 year grant for projects of research, investigation, experiments, education, training, studies, and/or demonstration of innovative techniques for pollution prevention at sources; reducing pollutants before entering the waste stream or environment prior to recycling, treatment, or disposal.
Applications due Aug 23rd, 2018
HERE
Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program, $13.3M
DOI Land and Water Conservation Fund is providing grants for the acquisition and/or development of public lands for outdoor recreation purposes with specific goals of being located in or directly accessible to communities underserved in terms of parks and recreation services. Applications due Sept 14th, 2018
HERE
$60M to upgrade or replace old vehicles
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is offering over $60M to repair or replace on-road vehicles, school buses, and other city owned vehicles. The primary focus for the initial year is the 80/880 freeway but funds are available for projects throughout the Bay Area. Apply
HERE
No-Cost Technical Assistance Opportunities
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory(NREL) has two teams of technical experts to provide state and local gov't decision makers with unbiased information on energy efficiency and renewable energy polices and issues. The Solar Technical Assistance Team (STAT) provides direct technical assistance on matters requiring solar market expertise and expert testimony along with DIY online education. The Energy Efficiency Technical Assistance Team provides expertise to policy makers in making informed decisions on energy efficiency programs and policies. Learn more and apply for this no-cost technical assistance
HERE
MCE
Rebates for EV Charging Stations at Work
The number of EV drivers is projected to grow by approximately 54% per year in the Bay Area alone. MCE is now offering rebates for the installation of EV charging stations ranging from 2-20 ports for most property. See if this program is right for your city owned property
HERE
$1.8M+ Paid Out to MCE Solar Customers
MCE customers have been receiving checks totaling upwards of $1.8M for excess electricity generated by their solar arrays. Through innovative programs like
Net Energy Metering MCE is able to offer greater buy back prices for excess solar power than any other distributor. MCE continues to serve over 10,000 customers. Read more
HERE
101MW 100% Renewable Energy Project
MCE has moved to purchase the 100% of the output from the Strauss Wind Project which generates approximately 101 megawatts of clean electricity per year. Once online the project will supply power to over 24,000 homes and save around 223,000 metric tons of carbon emissions annually. Read more about the project
HERE
Local City News
Hazardous Waste Lawsuits and Issues
Contra Costa County District Attorney's office settled a lawsuit against a prominent CA auto body repair shop for improper storage and disposal of hazardous materials. This lawsuit comes at the end of a month of major
refinery issues in Martinez. Read about this lawsuit
HERE. Hazardous waste is seriously sensitive which is why 4CL is working on a HazWaste fact sheet now!
Legislation
Mayors are the Key to Climate Adaptation
A new report from C40 shows that mayors have the power to enact climate action policy with great effect at the local level, which is where policy and sustainability starts. Mayors have varying degrees of authority over critical institutions such as private and mass transit, building code, energy supply, water, waste, agriculture and more and can leverage this power to enact climate action policy without the need of federal commitments; and they have been! Access the full report from C40 HERE
Other News
Quantifying the Multiple Benefits of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: Update
The EPA has released the 2018 update to their Energy Resources for State and Local Gov'ts set of reports quantifying the benefits of upgrading energy systems through direct electricity, electricity system, emissions, health, and economic benefits alongside costs while also providing policy makers and staff with the tools to analyze and calculate these for themselves in their locality. Access the updated report as well as the rest of the series for state and local governments HERE
Mendocino Complex Fire Largest in History
California is facing its largest wildfire in ever in Mendocino were multiple fires rage along with several others throughout the state. Over 250,000 acres have burned and is now 51% contained. This fire comes amidst years of persistent drought in which the 4 largest scale and most rapidly spreading fires have occurred only since 2012. CA wildfires only get worse as fire season looms longer and longer each year due to anthropogenic climate change. Read more about the Mendocino fire HERE Keep up-to-date with Cal Fire and discover the connections between fire and climate change HERE
Global Climate Action Summit, San Francisco, Sept 12th-14th
Governor Jerry Brown is hosting the GCAS focusing on the topics of healthy energy systems, inclusive economic growth, sustainable communities, land and ocean stewardship, and transformative climate investment. Learn more
HERE
Regional Town Hall of Mayors Aug, 24th hosted in Berkley, CA
With the recent passing of Berkley's
Climate Emergency Resolution the Berkley Town Council is hosting a regional town hall of mayors to widen the call for action on climate change before the GCAS begins in September.
Local Gov'ts Go Fossil Free for Clean and Sustainable Energy Future - ICLEI
The International Council for Environmental Initiatives is hosting a
GCAS affiliate event offering a tools showcase, panel peer sharing and happy hour networking centered around local gov'ts going fossil free on Sept 11th 1:30-6PM. Register
HERE
Cool Fixes for Hot Cities Webcast #2, LA
The second installment of this web series on the
Heat Island Effect takes place Sept 12th, 11 AM-12PM and will be detailing the cool pavements and cool roof ordinance programs by the city of LA to reduce the heat island effect. RSVP
HERE
12th annual Meeting of the Minds, Nov 27-29
The summit will be held in Sacramento featuring 400+ city leaders dedicated to growing smart cities based on urban sustainability grounded in technology and equity. Plenary sessions and workshops include water policy, mobility, EV's, electric bikeshare, parking, downtown and waterfront redevelopment, housing, inclusion and equity, food systems, health, homelessness, climate resiliency, IoT, innovative governance, and more. Learn more about the summit and RSVP
HERE
National Drive Electric Week, Sept 8th-16th
Civic Center Park, Berkley, Sept 15th 11Am-3Pm, will be hosting the second annual ride electric event at the local farmers market. Here there will be the latest in electric mobility technology along with local EV owners to talk to, as well as test driving of vehicles and electric bikes so bring a helmet! Learn more about the event and register
HERE
Review Contra Costa County Climate Leaders on Great Nonprofits:http://greatnonprofits.org/
Please visit our website for information on Local Government actions in Contra Costa County www.cccclimateleaders.org