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Sacramento Implements Plan to Install Solar Power on Municipal Buildings
The Sacramento City Council approved a plan to install more than 8,000 solar panels across 4 municipal sites in the city. Under the agreement, the firm SolarCity will install the panels which are expected to produce approximately 2.6 million kWh of solar electricity in their first year, enough to power approximately 250 homes. The solar panels will be installed at City Hall, a building that houses police, building and planning departments, and two corporation yards. Click here for more information.
Senate Opposes Efforts to Weaken Clear Air Act Enforcement
On Wednesday, April 6, the U.S. Senate defeated several proposals to roll back enforcement of EPA rules to reduce carbon emissions. One measure by Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) would exempt agriculture and small polluters from EPA climate regulations. This proposal was overwhelmingly defeated by a vote of 7-93. Another amendment by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) was narrowly defeated in a 50-50 vote. This would have prevented the EPA from implementing any action to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. In all, the Senate defeated four amendments, by both Democrats and Republicans, aimed at weakening EPA's authority to address climate change. Prospects are not as hopeful in the House, which is expected to pass similar measures. The inclusion of anti-EPA proposals in the budget has complicated negotiations between Congress and the White House aimed at averting a government shutdown. President Obama has indicated that he will veto legislation containing these measures.
California in the Middle of Mad Scramble for High-Speed Rail Funds
It appears that Florida's loss may be everyone else's gain. After the much-publicized rejection of high-speed rail funds by Florida Governor Rick Scott, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that the state's $2.4 billion share would be up for grabs for other states. California immediately applied for the funds, but according to Michael Doyle of the Sacramento Bee, the state is joined by more than 2 dozen other states that want a share of the funds. The California High-Speed Rail Authority applied for the entire pie, but it is likely that the award of the Florida funds will be divided among other states and regions. The Transportation Department said its "merit-based" decisions on funding will take into account a project's ability to reduce energy consumption, improve regional transportation efficiency and generate local jobs.
Announcements
4/8 - 1 pm to 5 pm - Strategic Growth Council Meeting, Cal/EPA Coastal Hearing Room, located at 1001 I Street, Sacramento. Items of interest on the agenda: 1. Adopt Sea Level Rise Consideration in Strategic Growth Council Programs; 2. Approve Urban Greening Grant Program Guidelines*; 3. Approve Sustainable Community Planning Grant Program Guidelines*; 4. Update Strategic Planning Process. *If you have questions or concerns about the grant guidelines after the first round has been completed and would like revisions to the guidelines prior to the next round of grants, you must get your comments in to the SGC and staff between now and April 8th. The agenda, staff reports, and related materials can be found here (including minutes from the last meeting) - http://www.sgc.ca.gov/meetings/20110408/
The meeting will also be webcast - http://www.calepa.ca.gov/Broadcast
4/10 - 3 pm -- Premier screening of Gasland, Stockton Boulevard Resource Center, 5625 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento. In celebration of Earth Day 2011, please join us for this thought-provoking documentary about domestic drilling for natural gas. Admission is free! Contact: Faye Kennedy at (916) 484-5025 or e-mail fayek@springmail.com.
Website:http://www.gaslandthemovie.com/about-the-film (visit the website to view a trailer of the documentary)
4/11 - 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm - 3rd Avenue Plaza Design Workshop, Sacramento Food Bank, 3333 3rd Avenue, Sacramento. The community is invited to participate in a workshop to provide input into the design of a proposed public plaza at the intersection of 3rd Avenue and Broadway in the heart of Oak Park's Historic District. The goal is to design a vibrant and active focal point for the Oak Park Historic District that will enhance its sense of place.
4/18 - 8 am to 5 pm - 2011 Green California Pre-Summit Classes, Sacramento Convention Center, 1400 J Street, Sacramento. The 2011 Green California Summit is coming to Sacramento on April 19-20, with pre-Summit training sessions on April 18. We are honored to have Sacramento's Mayor, Kevin Johnson as the Featured Speaker on the Summit's Opening Day, April 19. Mayor Johnson has identified a set of bold and innovative goals that will transform Sacramento into the Emerald Valley! For more information, contact Cindy Dangberg, Summit Director at cdangberg@green-technology.org or 626-577-5700.
4/18 - 11 am to 12 pm - Sacramento Food Stamp Advocacy Task Force, Sacramento Housing Alliance, 1800 21st Street, Suite 100, Sacramento. Contact: Bob Erlenbusch, bob@sachousingalliance.org or 916-455-4900 x302.
4/18 - 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm - Sacramento Environmental Commission Meeting, 700 H Street, 1st Floor, Sacramento. Ubuntu Green will be honored for its home gardens project. For more information on the meeting, contact Commission Secretary Vicki Kloock, at (916) 875-8584 or kloockv@saccounty.net.
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