Visit us on the web! You'll find case studies, issues of the month, workshop materials, archived newsletters and updates on local government activities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Contra Costa County
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Join Our Mailing list!
info@cccclimateleaders.org
Contact us:
925.631.0597
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The 4CL Program offers:
Quarterly workshops for education and networking opportunities
Monthly newsletters for environmental updates, pertinent local information, and interesting upcoming events
Ongoing website containing the CCC city environmental developments, archived newsletters, and other educational resources
www.cccclimateleaders.org
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Thank you to our sponsors!
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Newsletter Contributors:
Content:
Anne Cavazos
4CL Consultant
Christina Bay
4CL Contributor
Editor:
Katherine Bracken
4CL Volunteer
Contributing editors:
Lynda Deschambault
Executive Director 4CL
Newsletter articles are collected from a variety of sources and are cited via a website reference when applicable
To add content or events to our next monthly newsletter, please send an email to info@cccclimateleaders.org
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East Bay Energy Watch (EBEW) News
Contra Costa Cities are Eligible to Receive No-Cost Climate Action Planning Assistance. Quantum Energy Services and Technologies (QuEST), Inc., is available to CCC local governments to develop municipal and community greenhouse gas emissions inventories. QuEST will also create Energy Action Plans that include cost-effective strategies for Cities to enhance energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Dedicated QuEST staff will work with each City to produce meaningful results. Thisopportunity is available for a limited time at no cost to Cities through a contract with the PG&E Green Communities Program. Contact: Tim Bankroff at timb@quest-world.com or (510) 981-2030.
San Francisco 3rd City in Nation for Energy Star Certified Buildings. Behind only Los Angeles and Washington DC, San Francisco ranks third in the nation for the most buildings to earn Energy Star Certification. The number of Energy Star certified buildings double across the nation between 2008 and 2012, and is expected to grow exponentially in California with the upcoming effectiveness of SB 375. To learn more, Click Here
Celebrating Energy Star: 20 Years of Partnership, Promise and Progress. Over the last two decades Energy Star has become a household name. Its familiar blue label appears on televisions, dishwashers, computers and more. Many cities have turned to energy star ratings for their city owned/operated buildings! Energy Star is proof positive that we can strengthen our economy at the same time we protect our environment. For more information, Click Here. |
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Funding
$5 Million in Planning Grants Available for Communities The goals of the HUD Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants Program include transforming distressed public and assisted housing into energy-efficient, mixed-income housing that is physically and financially viable over the long term, and transforming distressed, high-poverty neighborhoods into viable, mixed-income neighborhoods with access to well-functioning services, including public transportation. Applications due on May 1, 2012. For more information, Click Here.
$50 Million Economic Development Assistance Programs Provide Federal Funding Opportunity for Rural and Urban Communities Construction, non-construction, and revolving loan fund investmentssupport the implementation of regional economic development strategies designed to create jobs, leverage private capital, encourage economic development, and strengthen America's ability to compete in the global marketplace. The next application due date is June 8, 2012. For more information, Click Here.
California Communities Eligible for EPA Region 9 Funding Sources A list of ongoing grant programs available to a variety of recipients (primarily state and local governments, and nonprofits) within Region 9. Contacts, phone numbers, e-mails and websites are listed for each grant program. For more information, Click Here. |
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Local City News
The City of Martinez Installs Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Funding was made possible through Measure C funding supplied by 511 Contra Costa and approved by TRANSPAC (the regional transportation planning committee providing program oversight to 511 Contra Costa). For more information Click Here.
The City of San Ramon is soliciting input for North Camino Ramon Specific Plan The NCRSP area consists of approximately 295 acres with existing uses. The City seeks to create a long range plan that embodies smart growth principles for a live-work, transit-oriented, pedestrian and bicycle-friendly neighborhood Click here to view the North Camino Ramon Specific Plan Map Click here to view North Camino Ramon Specific Plan 2/10/12 Draft
The City of Walnut Creek presented its Climate Action Plan on March 29, 2012 The CAP outlines the City's overall strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) in response to state regulations to address climate change. The goals and measures outlined in the CAP are intended to support a healthy and sustainable future for Walnut Creek. For more information Click Here.
Bike rides made easy in Contra Costa County The new 511 Contra Costa bike mapping system helps residents find flat, safe and fast routes anywhere in Contra Costa, and view bicycle locker locations. For the map, Click Here.
Bay Area Climate Change Plans Lack Regional Cooperation In the Bay Area, where climate change is expected to cause flooding, shoreline erosion, heat waves, water shortages and a spread of exotic infectious diseases regional coordination is needed. A lack of local government planning coordination could leave residents increasingly vulnerable. View Full Article. |
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Other City News
The City of Pleasanton is offering a $1,000 rebate to homeowners As part of its efforts to become the greenest city in California, homeowners who install a 1.5kW (or higher) solar PV system can receive a $1,000 rebate. In addition to these City's rebates, homeowners can take advantage of 30% federal tax investment credits (no cap), California Solar Initiative rebates, and solar company rebates. The City set aside $250K from its general fund- $100K for commercial uses and $150K for residents. For details Click Here The City and County of San Francisco-Finalist for the USGBC-NCC Super Hero Award San Francisco's Municipal Green Building Program was established in 1999. Its portfolio of green properties include many notable projects such as: The "Double LEED Platinum" California Academy of Sciences; SFO's Terminal 2, the first LEED Gold airport terminal in the US; Laguna Honda Hospital and Rehabilitation Center, California's first LEED certified hospital; and 10 branch libraries in the process of achieving LEED certification. Click here for the more information.
The 7 Keys to Sustainable Cities -Are Contra Costa Cites Planning for the Future? Anew paper sponsored by Ford Motor Company and produced in partnership with GreenBiz,titled "Citystates: How Cities Are Vital to the Future of Sustainability," posits that sustainability needs cities as much as cities need sustainability . Cities are a linchpin for the survival of our people and planet, but also a lever for shared progress and prosperity. The paper identifies characteristics key to advancing sustainability both within and beyond the city. View Full Article.
Could this $30 million green tower be the future of world cities? An office building that lasts 250 years with no monthly electricity or water bills will soon be a reality, as the biggest office tower in the nation that produces as much water and electricity as it consumes. Seattle's $30 million, six-story "living building" aims to save the world one building at a time by reducing the massive energy appetites of modern cities. View Full Article.
The City Of Knoxville Goes Forward With Its Third Creatively Financed Photovoltaic System A Power Purchase Agreement(PPA) atop The Knoxville Convention provides the city $10,000 annual income for leasing their roof. After seven years, the city has the option to purchase the system at a reduced, fair-market price and receive full benefits of ownership, or tell contractor to remove the system. The city's intent is to purchase the system in seven years. View Full Article. For more information on Solar PPA in Contra Costa County Click Here. |
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Legislation
Court Said To Leave Door Open To Schedule For EPA's Aircraft GHG LimitA federal judge has backed EPA arguments that the Clean Air Act sets no schedule for the agency to regulate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from aircraft but many continue to push for EPA to set a schedule because the judge also held that the agency has unreasonably delayed responding to their petition. View Full Article.
Climate Change Is A Matter Of National Security. The Defense Department Intelligence Community and Department of Homeland Security are closely studying the effects of climate change and its impacts onour security. It will require a 'whole of government' focus that directs actions towards mitigating emissions, building resilience into domestic infrastructure, financing adaptation, and planning to respond to disasters. View Full Article. |
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Impacts
San Pablo Bay receives the highest volume of toxic discharges in the State San Pablo Bay ranked first, Suisun Bay ranked third, and the San Francisco Bay ranked 12th in the state, according to the report. ConocoPhillips' Rodeo refinery is responsible for the release of most of those toxics into San Pablo Bay as part of its oil refinery process. View Full Article
As Climate Changes, Cities in Louisiana Seeks to Lift a Highway In 1991 the highway was 3.9 feet above sea level. Measurements show the land sank two inches in the past 16 months alone! By 2030, many areas in the United States are likely to see storm surges and rising sea . Nearly 2.6 million homes are on land that would be inundated. Are bay area cities prepared to adapt? View Full Article.
Heat Wave Sends Temps Soaring Into Uncharted Territory The Midwest and Canada shattered many longstanding records. With 3,550 record daily highs, temperatures have been outpacing daily record-lows by an average of 2-to-1, and this imbalance is expected to grow as the climate continues to warm. Cities will need to prepare for these significant changes. View Full Article.
Global Warming: Doctors Foresee Major Health Impacts Infants, children and the elderly will be the first to experience serious climate change-related health problems including expected surge in asthma, allergies, infectious and cardiovascular disease as a result of rising temperatures, worsening ozone levels in urban areas, the spread of desertification, and expansions of the ranges of communicable diseases. View Full Article. Be sure to plan to attend 4CL's April 24th Workshop: Public Health and Climate Change. See our Events section. Seats our limited, save a spot today: info@cccclimateleaders.org. For more information on 4CL's event Click Here
Harvard Physician Warns of Climate Change Health Hazards. Rising temperatures and more heat waves due to climate change can cause heat stroke, heart attacks, dehydration and even increased incidences of violent crime and suicide. View Full Article. |
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Economics
West Coast Gets Boost from Clean Energy The Pacific Coast Collaborative (PCC) Agreement launched a report that shows how the region's clean economy can continue to create jobs and economic prosperity. The West Coast jurisdictions constitute the world's sixth largest economy and a world leader in terms of clean economic growth and job creation View Full Article.
Germany's $263 Billion Renewables Shift Biggest Since War Germany aims to replace 17 nuclear reactors that supplied about a fifth of its electricity with renewables such as solar and wind. Building offshore wind farms that will cover an area six times the size of New York City and erect power lines that could stretch from London to Baghdad. View Full Article.
British Island Anguilla Battles A Shrinking Coastline Storms and groundswells in the Caribbean have claimed some 30 feet of land. The island's local government is moving to raise money and implement training programs to cope with the impact on its cities. View Full Article. |
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Science
Climate Change Impacts to California Water Supply A new report reveals urgent action is needed to move California toward more sustainable water supplies. A changing climate means shifts in precipitation, including a change in how much, where, and when rain falls and an increase in evaporation from surface water and plants. View Full Article.
Climate Change Will Stress Water Supplies. Is Your City Prepared For Water Shortages? As precipitation becomes less frequent due to climate change, lake and reservoir levels will drop and people will increasingly turn to groundwater for the water needs, researchers said. Groundwater supplies nearly half of all drinking water worldwide, but recharges at a much slower rate than above-ground water sources and in many cases is non-renewable. View Full Article.
Scientists Call For Stronger Global Governance To Address Climate Change 32 scientists published a paper in the journal Science describe efforts that show proof that current institutions are unable to effectively address what they describe as "human activities [that] are moving several of Earth's sub-systems outside the range of natural variability typical for the previous 500,000 years." For more information Click here |
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Upcoming Events
April 24 4CL and Contra Costa County Public Environmental Health Advisory Board (PEHAB) present a workshop on Climate and Public Health Hear from physician and Richmond Councilmember Dr, Jeff Ritterman, and Kathy Dervin, from Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDPH, on how local jurisdictions are integrating public health considerations into climate action planning and improved energy policy and practice. For details Click Here.
April 21 John Muir Birthday & Earth Day Celebration 2012 Enjoy fun exhibits and activities for all ages, live music, self-guided tours of the Muir's Victorian home, nature walk, silent auctions. Keynote speaker is Rona Zollinger, co-founder of New Leaf. Food & beverages available. Presented by the John Muir Assoc. and the National Park Service and sponsored by the City of Martinez, Shell Martinez Refinery and Allied Waste Services. Click here for more information.
April 22 Lafayette's 2012 Earth Day Celebration Sustainable Lafayette, the Lafayette Library and Learning Center, the City of Lafayette, and the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce invite you to Lafayette's 7th annual Earth Day Picnic & Celebration! The festival will feature live music, a showcase of initiatives, organic lunch, guest speakers on gray water and rain harvesting, an environmental movie, and a kids zone at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. For details Click Here.
May 10th 3rd Annual Clean Power Healthy Communities Conference Join a diverse cross-section of climate activists, clean energy businesses, trade unionists, environmental justice advocates, and public officials working to address climate change while promoting clean energy jobs, equitable economic development, and healthy communities. Includes continental breakfast, lunch, and conference materials. For more information Click Here.
May 23 Super Hero Awards Gala in San Francisco Join the USGBC-Northern California Chapter on May 23rd for an evening of great networking, dinner, drinks, and celebration. Featuring distinguished honorees, hundreds of industry and public sector leaders, and a VIP reception with special guests.The City and County of San Francisco is one of the finalists for an award. For more information Click Here.
June 2012: the Rio+20 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro Achieving sustainable cities is one of the main themes, where world leaders will gather to make commitments towards a more sustainable future. Some American cities are already undergoing improvements on the path toward sustainability. For more information Click here
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