Our priorities for the year included:

• Stimulating our membership efforts
• Increasing our visibility
• Strengthening leadership in the task forces with an eye on succession planning

Through the efforts of Jim Brandt and his membership committee, we have been successful in our member outreach. Our Task Force VPs Terry Bowen and Ron Wetter, with input from the executive committee, have developed a set of best practices for task force chairs that we hope will help support new chairs and provide reaffirmation for our more seasoned chairs.

 

The Contra Costa Council has urged funding of the Bay Area Biosolids to Energy (BAB2E) Project from state budget monies that are designed to promote research and development of energy efficiency and renewal energy projects. "The BAB2E project fits these criteria and is worthy of funding," wrote Council President and CEO Linda Best. The funds are available in the California Energy Commission's Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) program, which exists outside the General Fund.

The BAB2E coalition consists of 16 Bay Area wastewater agencies, including agencies in Contra Costa County, representing over two million people. Coalition agencies currently haul biosolids more than 800,000 miles a year to land application and disposal sites. The project proposes to provide an alternative to land application and landfill disposal of biosolids.

"The project will meet the state's twin goals of developing renewable energy and reducing GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions," said Best. Additionally, it will spur economic development through the creation of construction jobs and will further our state's leadership in development of green technology.

BAB2E coalition agencies are requesting that $1 million be allocated from the PIER program to the BAB2E for project development work, including determination of the best site and preparation of the project for final design and construction.

Although the Contra Costa Council expressed concern that the proposed California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines "as currently written will have unintended consequences on communities and the regional economy," the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) nevertheless adopted the nation's most far-reaching local development review guidelines aimed at limiting greenhouse gases (GHGs) and toxic air contaminants on June 2.

"While we agree that improving air quality is an important goal, we believe the guidelines must be revised so as to strike a better balance between clean air and a healthy economy," wrote Council President and CEO Linda Best. She also appeared at the BAAQMD hearing to express this view.

"We are concerned that the overly strict regulations will restrict development in areas near transit and in urban centers, the very areas to which we should be directing new growth to reduce GHG emissions to meet AB 32 and SB 375 mandates. The proposal will also penalize infill, mixed-use and transit-oriented projects," said Best.

She also noted concern that the proposal "will lead to more requirements for full EIRs on any project near a freeway, even projects that are small, well-designed and bear all the hallmarks of smart growth."

The Contra Costa Council has endorsed SB 1440, state legislation that attempts to streamline and standardize the transfer process from California Community Colleges to California State University campuses. If passed, the bill would require community colleges and state colleges and universities to standardize a core set of transfer requirements that, if completed, would grant students an associate degree and guaranteed admission with junior status to a California State University campus.

The Council will support the legislation through the Regional Economic Association Leaders of California (R.E.A.L.) Coalition.

• Hire a local expert to conduct a monthly brown-bag workshop.
• Have your HR department refer employees to local services so that your company is not trying to re-create something that is already being offered in your community.
• Refer these employees to organizations and professionals who can give them sound advice and direction.

Since acquiring the facilities, Mirant has invested more than $80 million in emission-control technologies at the three plants, and has reduced emissions of nitrogen/oxides (NOx) by more than 90 percent in compliance with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District's Rule 9-11.

In September 2009, Mirant Corporation announced that its subsidiary, Mirant Marsh Landing, LLC, entered into a 10-year power purchase agreement with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) for 760 MW of natural gas-fired peaking generation, to be constructed at Mirant's existing Contra Costa facility near Antioch. Construction of the Marsh Landing facility is scheduled to begin in late 2010 and to be completed by May 2013. At its peak, the project will create more than 350 union construction jobs. Marsh Landing Generating Station will result in an estimated $600 million economic investment and will produce approximately $6 million in taxes. The new plant will utilize air cooling, which eliminates the need for water cooling and reduces emissions using Best Available Control Technology (BACT). 

The 175 employees of Mirant California have a tall order to fill: they must provide for the ever-growing energy requirements of the Bay Area, yet they must also operate and maintain the facilities with sensitivity to the beautiful environment that is the hallmark of the region.
 
Besides working to provide safe, reliable and environmentally responsible electrical generation, Mirant California employees also engage in community service. They participate in a range of activities, from cleaning coastal areas and waterways, to providing hands-on support to high school shop classes. Mirant California also contributes funds to a variety of local organizations.
 
As residents of the Bay Area, and mostly natives of the region, Mirant employees are committed to helping maintain a high standard of living here. For more information about the company's operations and community efforts, visit www.mirant.com.

Please welcome these new Council members!

Our Mission

The mission of the Contra Costa Council is to provide advocacy on public policy issues affecting the economic vitality and quality of life in Contra Costa County.

The Council engages on issues of critical importance to the business community and residents of Contra Costa County, balancing the needs of a diverse county though policy efforts that provide for economic development while retaining our quality of life. The Council also produces top-tier events, including Contra Costa USA, the premier business event in the county, featuring major national speakers as well as providing a local perspective on current events.

The Council retains a close relationship with local, state and federal elected officials. These relationships provide regular opportunities for our members to interact with their political representatives and other business leaders.

For more information about the Council, please visit our website.

To comment on items in this newsletter, please contact Linda Best at the Contra Costa Council.

This issue was edited for the Contra Costa Council by Molly A. Walker of Walker Communications.

© 2010 Contra Costa Council