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Greetings!
Happy New Year from the California Business Alliance for a Green Economy.
This past year was important for advancing the Alliance mission of supporting California's clean energy policies in order to move toward a green and efficient economy. Our Alliance of small and mainstream businesses, associations and organizations has now grown to more than 1,250 members who collectively employ hundreds of thousands of Californians. Over the past year, dozens of Alliance members have joined me in briefing policymakers, business leaders, the media and the public about the importance of fully enacting California's landmark clean energy and climate law, AB 32. You can read a sampling of recent op-eds here.
A CALL FOR PHOTOS, BLOGS & FEEDBACK
You will notice a few more photos and member highlights and stories from the Alilance blog in the current eNews. Please send us your examples of green business activity photos and/or blogposts so we can feature them in future newsletters, on the Alliance website and the Alliance Blog. Also, tell us what you would like to read about in future newsletters. Send any pictures, content and newsletter ideas to greenbizalliance@gmail.com.
Below, you will find a compilation of news stories, editorials and letters to the editor, including contributions from Alliance members, a list of upcoming events, and Alliance member profiles. You can also read past issues of the eNews here.
We're looking for more businesses to join our growing movement so if you like what you are reading, please forward this eNews to a friend. Thank you for your support and best wishes for a prosperous and impactful New Year.
~Susan Frank
Director, California Business Alliance for a Green Economy |
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*In The News
*Looking for Climate Action? Look West
A lliance Director Susan Frank celebrates the Western States' proactive approach to promoting clean energy and fighting climate change. She says, "...leaders along America's Pacific coast are already actively reducing emissions, preparing for climate impacts, and transitioning to a clean energy economy... California, Oregon, Washington, and their partners in British Columbia, are leading the way toward a cleaner, more prosperous future, and setting the standard for effective collaboration. They've got their priorities straight. There's nothing more important we can do for future generations than leave them with a healthy, prosperous world." |
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*Growing Jobs in California
California Director for CERES, Kirsten Snow Spalding, writes, "Here  in California, we didn't wait for the folks in Washington to make up their minds - we're already implementing a carbon price. Our landmark clean energy and climate law, AB 32, led to a successful first auction of greenhouse gas pollution credits that raised $290 million for the state in November. These funds will go to a variety of investments in energy efficiency, greener infrastructure, clean energy jobs, and other priorities that focus on making life better for all Californians."
*Cutting Pollution in a Cost-Effective Way
Nationally renowned economists Dr. Sudip Chattopadhyay, San  Francisco State University and Dr. Michael Hanemann, Arizona State University, co-wrote a Capitol Weekly op-ed saying, "Economists know that market incentives, like those created under AB 32, drive innovation and attract investment. Further, a carbon market provides financial incentives for large industrial sources to cut emissions leveling the playing field, and fostering the development of new technologies."
*California Law Tests Company Responses to Carbon
New York Times reporter Felicity Barringer wrote a comprehensive article about how  California's cap and trade auction may impact California businesses.
Barringer interviewed UCLA economist Matthew Kahn who says, "It's almost a Darwinian point. While some companies' costs will no doubt rise, the law creates moneymaking opportunities by forcing a rethinking of industrial processes."
*Oil Companies "Chicken Little" Claims Unfounded
Susan Frank highlighted the findings from a new TIAX study on  the economic impacts of the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). Frank reminds readers that the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) - a lobbying group that represents the oil industry - and its allies "consistently spout that California's business community is united in opposition to the suite of policies associated with AB 32, including the LCFS. In reality, the opposite is true - other than the oil industry and old manufacturing, the business community strongly supports these policies."
*Sustainable Breweries are Mainstreaming the Green Revolution
 Alliance member Clean World Partners, Sacramento, a company that recycles food waste into energy, unveiled its new biodigesting facility that is expected to convert 25 tons of food waste daily--nearly 10,000 tons annually--from local supermarkets and restaurants. In a process known as anaerobic digestion, the company turns tons of organic waste into compressed natural gas, electricity, and soil amendments. The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) is providing financial assistance to Clean World Partners with $2 million in loans under its Recycling Market Development Zone program. "Clean World's anaerobic digestion facilities are shining examples of how new technologies can help California reach its world-leading recycling and waste diversion goals," said CalRecycle Director Caroll Mortensen.
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Alliance Blog
The Alliance blog features updates from Alliance Director, Susan Frank, and other members. We invite you to submit your own blog contributions. To submit an article or for more information, contact
greenbizalliance@gmail.com. |
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BrightSpot Social
 Join the new online community BrightSpot Social to chat about all things clean energy and sustainability in California and beyond.
Visit www.BrightSpotSocial.com or visit BrightSpot on Facebook to learn more! Also check out Susan Frank's featured blogs on the site.
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Featured Alliance Activity
New Assessment Shows Electricity is Key Contributor to
Low Carbon Fuel Standard
Affordable, available technology already exists
to meet California's clean fuel standard
A new assessment suggests just how doable the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) is, despite claims by the oil industry.
"We're hearing that there's a lot of pressure to relax the regulations that can help bring clean fuels and diversity to the transportation fuels sector. We already know that fuel diversity, particularly electricity, as a transportation fuel can benefit the economy while also cleaning our air," said Eileen Tutt, executive director of the California Electric Transportation Coalition (CalETC).
The assessment, commissioned by CalETC and conducted by TIAX LLC, shows that, in the early years of the program, oil companies could comply with the standard almost entirely by purchasing credits from the electricity sector. And that's true even if they only focus on public transit, rail, forklifts, and refrigeration units, which for regulatory purposes are part of the LCFS.
"Electricity as a transportation fuel is a win-win - for the economy and for the environment," said Elisabeth Brinton, head of Sacramento Municipal Utility District's retail business. "So is the Low Carbon Fuel Standard. It's a great idea whose time has come."
Electricity makes economic sense, as well: it costs about 75 percent less than gas or diesel when used as a transportation fuel. In California, electric transportation is much cleaner than gas or diesel fueled transportation in terms of carbon and other pollutants.
"California is on the path to a diverse clean fuel future that promotes economic growth, clean air, energy independence, and climate protection," Tutt said. "Our state's pioneering clean fuel standard is a key building block, and it shouldn't be weakened."
Read the full assessment here.
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Clean Cars Victory
U.S. EPA Green-Lights CA's Historic Vehicle Emissions Standards
Top business, consumer, health, community leaders call action a victory for clean air, economy and the public
Calling it a victory for California's air quality, economy and consumers, the California Clean Cars Campaign thanks the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for green-lighting the state's historic vehicle emissions standards. The EPA granted the state a waiver, which allows California to implement strong vehicle-related smog and particle pollution controls, greenhouse gas emission standards, and a zero emission vehicle standard.
"Historically we know that smart vehicle policy that sets a high but achievable bar encourages automakers, component makers and hybrid and battery innovators to invest in developing new and better technologies," said Campaign co-chair Bruce Klafter, Managing Director-Worldwide Operations and Head-Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability at Applied Materials. "Automakers are already announcing proactive plans to up their production of hybrids, battery electric cars and fuel cell vehicles."
"I am proud to have played a role in supporting California's efforts to move the country toward this remarkable achievement on clean cars. We stand ready to support the kind of market growth and development that this rule envisions," said Campaign co-chair Wendy Greuel, Los Angeles City Controller. "I will work to make Los Angeles the zero emission vehicle capital of the world."
The EPA waiver also allows other states to adopt California's program. When fully implemented in the states that have signaled they want to adopt California's policies, about 40 percent of cars sold in the United States will meet the California Clean Cars Program's strong standards.
Read the Press Release here. |
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Featured Alliance Blogpost |
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A Passion for the Vine: Wineries Going Green
Christine Scioli, Partner with Zan Media in Novato, a Business Alliance member, and 2011 CoolCalifornia Award winner has just released its second wine documentary film, "A Passion for the Vine," the sequel to "A State of Vine." Both films showcase wineries that have gone green in a big way, and are enjoying those bragging rights with top-notch wines from both Sonoma and Napa counties.
"A State of Vine" takes a look at Sonoma Wine Company, which is committed to reducing its footprint on the environment and local community through resource conservation and efficiency, solid waste management, carbon management and a Quality Management System across facilities for continuous improvement. Their sustainable business practices include water and energy conservation and efficiency, recycling of all wine packaging materials, renewable energy, rainwater catchment and diversion, greenhouse gas emissions inventory and tracking, and an engaged and active partner with local and regional stakeholders.
Zan Media director and partner, Don Scioli, explains more about the company's commitment to producing films and videos that highlight and educate the public on sustainable practices. "We are a certified Bay Area green business and this is a distinction of honor for us. We love to use our creative talents to help inform while entertaining. Both of these movies are fun, slightly raucous and filled with tidbits about wine, music, art and sports with a great nod to mother earth!"
Read the full blogpost here. |
Best,
Susan Frank
Director, California Business Alliance for a Green Economy
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Upcoming Events
- Jan. 14: AWEA Regional Wind Energy Summit - West
(La Jolla)
- Jan. 15-16: Solar Power Generation USA (Newport Beach)
-Feb. 6-7: 9th Annual Cleantech Investor Summit
(Palm Springs)
- Feb. 13-15: Solar Power-Gen 2013
(San Diego)
- April 26: Sustainable Enterprise Conference
(Rohnert Park)
- June 3-6: Sustainable Brands '13 (San Diego)
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Send Us Your Event Notices
If you have events to submit for a calendar listing, email the name of the event, date, location and a brief description to greenbizalliance@gmail.com.
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to follow the lead of Alliance member 
