eNews Update | June 2015 | www.clean-economy.org |
Last month, California Governor Jerry Brown joined leaders of 11 states and provinces to sign an agreement to limit their carbon pollution 80-95 percent by 2050. Not only do these collective economies represent more than $4.5 trillion in GDP (equivalent to the 4th largest economy on the planet), they also represent a shared vision for creating a thriving global marketplace based on a clean energy economy.
Just as California can't achieve its climate goals without having other governments follow, our members and the broader business community can't achieve their full potential without marketplaces around the world that are similarly embracing the benefits of a clean economy.
The recently released Next 10 Report 2015 California Green Innovation Index - International Edition emphasizes the business-friendly policies that California is advancing in the state and globally. The report found that California's clean energy and climate policies are driving significant clean tech investments (attracting half of the global clean tech venture capital investment in the world - $5.7 billion - second only to the U.S. as a whole) as well as creating substantial energy efficiency gains that save businesses money. For every dollar of goods and services, California emits less carbon than any nation except France.
Thanks to Governor Brown's leadership, the more than 1,300 small and mainstream businesses and business associations we represent can count on California continuing to lead the global marketplace for clean energy solutions that benefit the bottom line.
As always, this month's eNews features news and upcoming events and other updates on the growing clean energy economy. Thank you for your ongoing support. ~Susan Frank Director, California Business Alliance
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San Francisco Chronicle - May 17
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California Means Business (CMB)
Recent CMB News Highlights
CALIFORNIA RECLAIMS LEAD IN FILM PRODUCTION
With a nearly 50 percent surge in film projects, California vaulted from fourth place in the survey to first by a wide margin - thanks in large part to the state's animation industry. San Francisco Business Times 5/29/2015
SILICON VALLEY COMPANIES PLAN HIRING SPREE IN 2015Companies in Silicon Valley are planning a hiring spree this year, an indication that the economic upswing in the Bay Area has a long way to travel before it runs its course, according to a survey of the region's chief executives released Tuesday. Santa Cruz Sentinel 5/12/2015 KEEPING SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COMPETITIVE AS GATEWAY FOR WORLD TRADEAt $418 billion in trade, the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach can report the largest activity in the nation for the fourth year in a row, even with the recent disruptions at the ports. LA Daily News 5/12/2015 CALIFORNIA STILL THE GOLDEN STATEYoung people, many fleeing New York's frigid winters, sweltering summers and astronomical rents are pouring into Los Angeles these days, drawn by the Mediterranean climate, cheaper and more spacious housing and a very contemporary species of decentralized creativity. Huffington Post 5/11/2015 CALIFORNIA COMPETESCalifornia is not only the largest, richest and most diverse economy in the United States, but also one of the nation's fastest-growing economies and a national leader in job creation. Trade & Industry Development 5/11/2015 Click here to read more CMB news.
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Event Highlight
by Ruben Aronin, Deputy Director, California Business Alliance for a Clean Economy
CBA for a Clean Economy Blog
May 26, 2015
Community leaders gathered in the Willowbrook neighborhood near Compton in South Los Angeles at the home of Rose Pinkney, a grandmother who had a new solar power system installed on her roof thanks to California's clean energy and climate law, AB 32. As a result of the new solar panels, Mrs. Pinkney is expected to save 80% on future electricity bills.
The 4.3 megawatt solar system was installed by GRID Alternatives, an organization that trains and hires people to install rooftop solar. According to the Solar Foundation, California's solar industry now employs more people than the state's five largest utilities.
To read the full blogpost, click here.
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Op-ed Highlight
Op-Ed: Carbon pricing safeguards economy
by Steve Westly, founder and managing partner of The Westly Group and former controller for the state of California.
Capitol Weekly
May 4, 2015
In March, Bloomberg declared California the number one state in which to do business, specifically crediting our state's nimble response to emerging challenges like climate change as a key ingredient in our winning recipe. Our state's success is no accident. AB 32, California's signature climate change and clean energy law, was adopted with bipartisan support in 2006. This pivotal policy is helping us grow our economy while slashing emissions, just as its sponsors intended. Because California's carbon pricing approach is right on target, policymakers are now replicating it along the Pacific Coast, in Canada, and beyond. As California ranks as the world's seventh largest economy, the ripple effects are benefitting markets worldwide.
To read the full article, click here.
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Featured Report Release
2015 California Green Innovation Index - International Edition
In advance of the historic United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris this year, the Next 10 California Green Innovation Index, for the first time, analyzes and ranks the Golden State's economic and energy performance in comparison to the world's 50 largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting nations.
Findings for California include: - Ranks among top ten nations worldwide in total renewable energy generation, share of electricity from renewable sources, highest energy productivity and lowest carbon intensity (emissions per GDP).
- World's second least carbon-intensive economy. For every dollar of goods and services, California emits less carbon than any nation except France.
- #5 in the world in energy productivity (GDP relative to total energy consumption).
- Generated nearly 64 percent more GDP for every unit of energy consumed than the U.S. as a whole (2012). For every unit of energy, the state produced $268 billion GDP, compared to U.S. $164 billion GDP.
- Attracted half ($5.7 billion) of clean tech global venture capital investment (2014)-second only to the U.S. as a whole. 153 percent increase in investment between 2013 and 2014.
To read the full report findings, click here.
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Governor's Awards Highlight
Governor's Environmental and
Economic Leadership Awards
The application period for the 2015 Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Awards (GEELA) program is now open at www.calepa.ca.gov/Awards/GEELA/.
The GEELA program recognizes individuals, organizations and businesses that have demonstrated exceptional leadership for voluntary achievements in conserving California's resources, protecting and enhancing the environment, building public-private partnerships, and strengthening the state's economy. Applications are due Friday, July 24, 2015.
This year, GEELA recipients will be chosen from 5 different categories and one subcategory, which include:
- Environmental Education
- Ecosystem and Land Use Stewardship
- Climate Change
- Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Dealers
- Sustainable Practices, Communities or Facilities
- Waste Reduction
Established in 1993, the GEELA program is administered by the California Environmental Protection Agency in collaboration with the Natural Resources Agency; the Department of Food and Agriculture; the State Transportation Agency; the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency; the Labor and Workforce Development Agency; the Health and Human Services Agency; and the Governor's Office.
For more information about GEELA, please visit calepa.ca.gov/Awards/GEELA.
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Member Event Highlight
3rd Annual Silicon Valley
Energy and Sustainability Summit, June 25
The Silicon Valley Leadership Group is hosting its annual Sustainability Summit at Oracle on June 25. Attendees will learn how to employ the latest innovative technologies and practices to create lasting value and learn what they can do on a practical level to prepare for a changing landscape.
Traditional sources of business value are being eroded and new opportunities are being created in our carbon and water constrained world. How can your company ensure it is best prepared to adapt to this changing landscape?
What's more, with Governor Brown's announcement regarding his clean energy goals and next steps regarding AB 32 implementation being discussed, the state will again be called on to help lead the development of clean air and clean energy solutions. What will the impact be to businesses across the state?The Summit will feature three concurrent tracks around the Governor's 50-50-50 plan:
- Energy Efficiency
- Next Generation Transportation
- Renewables Deployment
Stay tuned for detailed agenda with keynotes, plenary panels, and case studies.
To learn more and register, click here.
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Event Highlight
PATHWAY to 2050
August 20
Pathway to 2050 is Advanced Energy Economy's annual Sacramento event that brings together an influential group of advanced energy business leaders and state policy-makers to discuss opportunities to accelerate California's economy through the growth of advanced energy. Pathway to 2050 will be held at the Sacramento Convention Center on August 20 from 9:00am - 4:30pm.
This year's event topics will explore the following questions:
- How do utility business models change as they absorb a rapid influx of advanced energy technologies?
- What innovative finance mechanisms can be used to maximize the impact of cap and trade revenues?
- How can California most cost-effectively achieve an RPS goal of 50%?
- What can be done to significantly increase the energy efficiency of homes and businesses?
Admission to the event is complimentary for AEE Members and government officials. Register today to take advantage of early bird pricing.
Register for Pathway to 2050
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CBA Member Highlight
Pick My Solar wins SBA's "Outstanding Small Business" award for 2015
In May, Pick My Solar was named this year's "Outstanding Small Business" at Los Angeles City Hall. Presented by Mayor Garcetti as part of LA Small Business Week, the recognition comes from the U.S. Small Business Administration's Small Business Development Center.
Since it's founding just two years ago, Pick My Solar has assisted more than 10,000 homeowners with solar pricing, data, and installation. Pick My Solar is a great example of a company harnessing the innovative, entrepreneurial spirit in the LA region. Not only are they making a positive environmental impact through the services they offer, they're saving homeowners money and contributing to the increase in home solar installations, which helps created jobs in LA's clean energy economy.
To learn more about Pick My Solar and how they can help you go solar in a simple, affordable way, visit their website.
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Best,
Susan Frank Director, California Business Alliance
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CALENDAR AT A GLANCE
(Sacramento)
(San Diego)
June 18
(Irvine)
June 25
SVLG Energy & Sustainability Event
(Redwood City)
Read More
August 20
Pathway to 2050
(Sacramento)
Read More
(Los Angeles)
(Santa Monica)
October 8-18
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