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Save Water, Energy, Money and the Environment

Volume 9, Number 3

March 2013 

IN THIS ISSUE...
Calling Volunteers!
EPA
EUC
$17 Million In California Put Towards Green Transportation
SCG
Greenest Employment in California
SCE
How Much Better Could Travel Be in LA?
L.A. Metro
California Energy Commission
Sanitation Districts
ENERGY STAR Appliances
West Basin
Next Level of LEDs
City of Torrance
Home Energy in the US
Green Business Spotlight
Legislation Corner
Gold and Green
Cities in the News
March / April 2013 Events & Workshops
A Worthy Read
Interesting Domestic and International Articles Discussing the Environment, Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation








CALLING VOLUNTEERS!

There has never been a better time to help out and be recognized.
  

Email Martha, call her at 310.371.7222, x 209 or complete our volunteer application and submit it by email or mail.   
You can make a huge difference! 
 

 Visit Our Cities


Carson
El Segundo
Gardena
Hawthorne
Hermosa Beach
Inglewood
Lawndale Lomita
Manhattan Beach
Palos Verdes Estates
Rancho Palos Verdes
Redondo Beach
Rolling Hills
Rolling Hills Estates
Torrance

SCE Customers in
San Pedro & Harbor City


County Unincorporated Areas in South Bay 

2013 REBATE FORMS 

  

Southern California Gas Company  

 

Southern California Edison

 

West Basin Municipal Water District  

 

 En Espa�ol

 

Southern California Gas Company
Southern California Edison Sanitation Districts of LA County
Metro

  County of Los Angeles 

 

 

Find us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterView our profile on LinkedIn

 

 

www.sbesc.com 

  
  
To read the South Bay Cities Council of Governments' latest edition of its newsletter,
South Bay Watch,
click here

Where Does Your City Rank in the 

SCE Energy Leader Partnership Program?

 

Platinum Tier
20% Energy Reduction Stay Tuned

 

Gold Tier
10% Energy Reduction 
City of Hawthorne
City of Lomita 

 

Silver Tier
5% Energy Reduction 
City of Carson
City of El Segundo
City of Hermosa Beach
City of Inglewood
City of Manhattan Beach
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
City of Redondo Beach
City of Torrance 
 
Valued Level
City of Lawndale
City of Palos Verdes Estates
City of Rolling Hills
City of Rolling Hills Estates
City of Gardena

Did You Know?

The Top 1% of households (by usage) consume 4% of residential electricity.
- Opower 

Message From the Deputy Executive Director of Environmental Programs

 

Spring is upon us.  Fields and flowers are blooming, reminding us that this is the time of year when we celebrate the annual rebirth and renewal of life in all its natural beauty.  Providing nourishment to our precious resources is the gift of water and Friday, March 22 marks the annual United Nations World Water Day.  The aim of this designation is to increase people's awareness of water's importance in environment, agriculture, health and trade around the globe.  The first World Day for Water was observed in 1993 and countries are encouraged to develop activities to highlight local needs for water. 

 

In the United States, this week is Fix a Leak Week, sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  It's a time when families are encouraged to check for water leaks and drips in bathrooms, kitchens, and yards at home.   Fixing water-wasting leaks in running toilets, dripping faucets, and other leaking pipes around home can save a family more than 10 percent on water bills.  That's like saving $1 for every $10 spent on water.  For more information, visit www.epa.gov/watersense/fixaleak.

 

With the money saved, one could share the beauty of a bunch of yellow tulips with someone less fortunate or a loved one who could use a little uplift.  According to the language of flowers, the message relayed would be, "There's sunshine in your smile."  May the articles that follow build on that thought as we consider how we can cherish the gifts of the earth by taking simple and meaningful actions now, as the wonders of spring blossom. 


Catherine Showalter

  

Environmental Protection Agency and Golden State Water Company Team Up
Promoting "Fix a Leak Week" in California from March 18-24

Golden State Water Company (Golden State) is pleased to help customers save water and money by partnering with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) to promote its fifth annual 'Fix a Leak Week,' which runs from March 18-24.

"EPA estimates that California loses more than 120 billion gallons of water as a result of leaky pipes in households every year," said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA's Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. "EPA appreciates the work companies like Golden State are doing to encourage the use and installation of water-efficient products that save energy and preserve Southern California's precious water supply."
Energy Upgrade Logo
Energy Upgrade California
Financing Terms
 
Do you still have home improvement projects on your to-do list? If so, now is a great time to make energy efficiency improvements to your home and reap the many benefits that come along with upgrading. To help you, Matador's Credit Union, in collaboration with Energy Upgrade California in LA County, is offering low annual percentage rate* (APR) financing starting at 4.99%. EUC encourages you to take advantage of the low interest rates and longer payback periods today.

Read More

$17 Million In California Put Towards Green Transportation
Green for Green

The state of California continues its relentless drive as the green tech leader here in the U.S. Recently the California Energy Commission awarded over $17 million to eight different companies pursuing alternative fuel and zero emission technologies.

Read More

 

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Southern California Gas CompanyThe Gas Company

Did You Get Any of the $6 Million Given to Local Businesses?

  

Last year, Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas�) gave businesses more than $6 million in rebates and incentives for energy efficiency. We hope your business received some of that!

"The rebates can really add up if you look out for them whenever you buy new equipment," said Toney Snyder, assistant director of Environmental Stewardship for Azusa Pacific University. The university has received more than $5,000 in rebates for boilers and water heaters from SoCalGas since 2006.

We have millions more available this year. Apply now to receive some of that-and save energy as well! 

Read More

 

Did You Attend Any of Our 170 Free Seminars?

 

Last year, SoCalGas held more than 170 free seminars on energy efficiency. They helped provide training in 2012 to more than 10,000 people on boiler/steam operations, space heating, economizers, green building, combined heat and power, compressed air, foodservice and much more.

Any business customer can attend our training at no charge. Sign up for training this year, and learn more about saving energy and money! 

Read More

 

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Greenest Employment in California
California Leads Nation In Creation Of Green Jobs

Environmental Entrepreneurs tracks the creation of green jobs on a monthly basis. The 2012 wrap-up found firms announced the creation of 110,000 green jobs last year. About 26,000 of those jobs were in California.

Read More

 

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Southern California EdisonSCE

3 Easy Ways to Report a Street Light Outage 

 

1. Call 1-800-655-4555 and press 1 for power outages which includes street lights. 


2. On your Mobile device visit SCE.com and download the Mobile App! You will receive an order number and be able to check the status of the repair directly through your wireless phone.

3. Or on your computer, visit SCE.com and fill out the Form 

SBCCOG
How Much Better Could Travel Be in LA?
SBCCOG's LUV Program Features in Progressive Analysis of Transportation in LA County

"Complete Streets" means creating streets that welcome all different forms of mobility, promoting vibrant, healthy and active communities. As I told the audience, some may be surprised to learn that nearly one-quarter of trips in LA County are already by walking, biking and transit.

Perhaps more astoundingly, half of them are quite short: 3 miles or less! That is a very bike-able distance. But the bad news is that 60 percent of those short trips (including journeys under one mile) are by car. That means that if you live in LA County and need to get somewhere less than three miles away, most likely you will get in a car. Steve Martin's parody in L.A. Story where he gets in his car to drive to see his next-door neighbor still hits close to home!

Read More

 

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L.A. Metro
Motorcycles no longer need FasTrak transponders to use ExpressLanes

 

"There is a press event Friday morning at the new El Monte Station - adjacent to the ExpressLanes - but I wanted to put the word out early that motorcycles no longer need FasTrak transponders to use the lanes; motorcycles use the lanes for free."

Read More 

 

What is a "Vanpool"?

 

With gas prices rising, traffic congestion increasing, and energy resources dwindling, smart long-distance commuters are seizing the opportunity to turn an often costly and frustrating daily commute into a more pleasant experience. It's called vanpooling.

Vanpools are similar to carpools, except they generally involve more people. A vanpool is a group of 5 to 15 people who regularly travel together to work 30 miles or more (roundtrip) in a comfortable van. Typically, riders pay a monthly fare and maintenance fee, while drivers ride at a discounted rate in exchange for driving and maintaining the van.

Vanpoolers can shave an average of 20 minutes off of their commute time by using carpool lanes, and lower the stress and expense of driving alone. And now, with the Metro Vanpool Program, new and existing vanpools will save even more money. Get in.

Give us a call and ask for Melissa to learn how to set one up at your place of employment: (310) 371-7222.

California Energy Commission
Energy Commission Awards $4.5 Million for Clean Vehicle Rebates

The California Air Resources Board will receive $4.5 million through an interagency agreement to provide funding for the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project. This funding will be used to support purchases of light-duty zero-emission electric vehicles and light-duty plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. All vehicles must be capable of freeway operation and certified for at least four passengers. The rebate program is administered by the California Center for Sustainable Energy, which was selected by the Air Resources Board through a competitive bid process.

Read More

 

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Sanitation Districts of LA County

Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County

Celebrate Earth Day with Sanitation Districts on April 13

 

Join Sanitation Districts on April 13 at their main office in Whittier for their 7th Earth Day event. Tour a water reclamation plant and/or landfill, take a train ride that follows the journey of your trash from home to recycling center to landfill, enjoy music and dance performances, create eco-friendly arts and crafts, visit over 50 exhibitors, and participate in many other activities while learning about environmental issues. Don't miss this fun and educational event!

Flyer

 

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Energy Star Rocks!
ENERGY STAR Appliances
What Is ENERGY STAR? 

You may not realize the importance of energy efficient appliances in the home. The greenhouse gases emitted from your home can be twice as high as those from your car. You may look at the initial price tag when buying a new appliance without considering the energy costs associated with the different choices. Considering that 13% of your energy costs are generally spent on running your household appliances, you could see the return on investment (ROI) of an energy efficient appliance quickly even if the initial investment was slightly higher.

Read More

Energy Star Reporting is Required?

 

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West Basin Municipal Water DWest Basinistrict 
Upcoming Water Conservation Plants Sales

 

The Carson Low-Water-Use Plant Sale was a great success welcoming sustainable gardeners from around the community. Didn't make the Carson sale? Come visit The Home Depot in Inglewood on April 13 from 8 am to noon. Address: 8801 S. La Cienega Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90301.


Next Level of LEDs 
Cree's LED Bulb Looks Like an Incandescent and Lights Like One, for Under $10
 
Today Cree, the North Carolina-based LED manufacturer, is making a move that will have major implications for the LED lighting industry. The company, which is known for its high-quality LEDs and its lighting fixtures, has announced a line of LED bulbs, marking the first time it will offer the A-style replacement bulb that lights most homes. This will put Cree in competition against giants like Philips and GE, as well as directly up against companies that buy Cree LEDs, like Best Buy.
Read More
 
City of Torrance
 
City of Torrance

Honda's North American Corporate unit to move from Torrance, CA to Marysville, OH

 

Honda's history in Torrance began in 1990 when the Tokyo based company decided to set up shop in sunny Southern California, but after 23 years, shifts in company organization now see its North American Headquarter's move closer to its biggest North American plant. The North American market is Honda's biggest profit center and strategies are in motion to bring the company into a leaner and more efficient organization. 

 

Home Energy in the US
Infographic

In the US, residential energy accounts for 22 percent of our total energy use and a considerable cost to our wallets and the environment. Over the last number of decades our homes have grown consistently bigger but also more efficient, leading to many changes in how much energy we use and how we use it.

Read More

 

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Green Business Spotlight
Local Grocer Makes Big Energy Impact 

 

Whole Foods Market in Redondo Beach is currently spending 25% less on energy than it was in 2009. This comes in the wake of a complete refurbishment of the grocery store's refrigeration, control, and lighting systems. These basic improvements reduce the amount of electricity that is used in the store, lowering its environmental impact overall. Whole Foods already prided itself on being socially responsible, placing 4th on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's list of Top 25 Green Power Partners. Knowing that there are always ways to become more efficient, managers at the Redondo Beach location got in contact with Sandoval Energy Consulting.

 

Legislation Corner 

What the Sequester Means for the Clean Energy Workforce
 

Now that the sequester has officially begun, people are wondering what the impacts will be, both long term and short term. The message from the two sides of the political spectrum could not be more opposite. Republicans are confident that the concern is overstated, and the wasteful federal government needs the motivation to start effectively managing its operations. The Democrats, on the other hand, are convinced that the arbitrary cuts to critical federal programs will cause significant damage that will reverberate throughout the economy. Almost all agree that there will be short term economic pain, but what direct and indirect effects will the sequester have on jobs in the clean energy sector, and what does it mean for developing a workforce that can effectively implement a transition to sustainable energy going forward?

Read More

Is Congress Jumping on Energy Efficiency?

It could be a very good sign for energy efficiency and green tech advocates that so early in a new U.S. Congress, the House of Representatives has already held a hearing on energy efficiency technologies.
Gold and Green
California and Climate Change
 
In Los Angeles, California's largest city, the natural world is both far away and close. You spend your days stalled in traffic, cursing your fellow motorists as your car spews out the noxious fumes that, trapped in the Los Angeles basin, blanket the city in smog. When you do get moving, you may find yourself driving through miles of low-rise urban sprawl. Yet, depending on which one of the metropolitan area's 4,850 square miles (12,600 square kilometres) you are in, you might be half an hour from a clean beach, an hour from a ski run and 90 minutes from empty desert.

Both features of Californian life helped forge the state's fondness for environmental rule-making. In 1947, four years after a series of smog attacks in Los Angeles, Governor Earl Warren signed America's first statewide air-protection law. Two decades later a catastrophic oil spill off the Santa Barbara coast helped give birth to the modern environmental movement, leading, among other things, to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), approved by Governor Ronald Reagan in 1970.


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Cities in the News 
EPA Will Start Lengthy Construction Project to Clean Harbor Gateway Groundwater


New details will be unveiled Thursday about the Environmental Protection Agency's plan to clean up contaminated groundwater from two Superfund sites in the Harbor Gateway area.


The EPA is working to treat and contain water contaminated with three decades worth of chemicals: monochlorobenzene, chlorobenzene, benzene and other contaminants. It will oversee construction of a water treatment plant and of water wells.

Read More

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March / April 2013 Events & Workshops 
 
Click Here to See a List of Upcoming Workshops & Trainings
Click Here to See a List of Upcoming Events
 
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