Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary Proposed for Central Coast
California Energy Commission Celebrates Big 4 - 0
Common Ways to Cut Your Water Use
Support Us on Climate Ride California!
Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary Proposed for Central Coast
By Michael Thornton
The Northern Chumash Tribal Council, Sierra Club, and other groups and individuals have formally requested the nomination of a new “Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary” in an application to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The proposed marine sanctuary would cover the waters off the coasts of San Luis Obispo and northern Santa Barbara counties.
“The First Peoples of this land have teamed with local communities and organizations to express our deepest passions for these magnificent coastal waters,” said Fred Collins, tribal administrator for the Northern Chumash Tribal Council. “Designation of the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary for the Central Coast would ensure the continuation of one of the most biologically rich coastlines in the world and the protection of cultural sites that were once the villages of this region’s first inhabitants, now located up to six miles west of the current shoreline.”
The proposed sanctuary area is home to kelp forests, the southern sea otter, gray whale migration routes and one of the most sustainable fisheries in the country including rock fish, crab, squid and hundreds of non-commercial species. It also provides an important stopping point along the Pacific Flyway for migratory birds.
The cold water off the coast and fresh water estuaries onshore make the area an important nursery for a wide range of species. If this area were located on land, it would rival some of our greatest National Parks for biodiversity. Ensuring its continued health will help the environment and the economy. We are delighted to support this local community effort.
The designation would protect against future oil drilling and underwater mining in the area.
A recent economic study, commissioned by Sierra Club California, found that the sanctuary designation could enhance tourism and add more than $23 million annually to the local economy and support at least 600 permanent new jobs in San Luis Obispo County.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will now evaluate the proposal for potential inclusion in an inventory of areas to be considered for designation as a national marine sanctuary.
---
California Energy Commission Celebrates Big 4-0
By Edward Moreno
The California Energy Commission (CEC) marked its 40th anniversary as a global energy leader on January 27.
In 1975, the legislature gave birth to the commission through the Warren-Alquist Act. Since then, the agency has developed and adopted the world’s most advanced energy efficiency standards.
Those standards have saved ratepayers more than $75 billion in electricity costs alone, eliminated the need to build more than 120 power plants along the coast, and played a notable role in keeping per capita energy use flat even while it has increased an average of 50 percent across the rest of the country.
It has permitted more than 2,964 megawatts in utility-scale solar energy keeping us on track to meet our 33 percent Renewables Portfolio Goal by 2020. It also has invested $535 million in alternative and renewable fuel and vehicle technologies that have helped California become the largest domestic market for electric vehicles and fuel cells.
Although not everything the energy commission does is in line with our environmental goals (for instance, it is responsible for permitting siting of gas-fired power plants) the commission has been a critical component in the drive to reduce the energy sector’s air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Common Ways to Cut Your Water Use
By Kyle Jones
Californians have begun to respond to persistent drought by taking individual actions that have helped to reduce overall water demand. Here in Sacramento, for instance, we have managed to lower our water usage from a city high of 307 gallons a day in 1980 to 179 gallons a day in 2014, the lowest level of water usage in 100 years.
Despite these improvements, Californians still can do much more to help conserve water in the home. Some Australian cities managed to reduce water use per person to just 39 gallons a day during the 1990s drought.
In the home, greater water conservation can be achieved through a combination of changing practices and switching to high-efficiency appliances. Changing practices is cheap and will usually even save money.
In the kitchen, make sure to run a full load in the dishwasher, and cut back on pre-rinsing dishes as necessary. For laundry, run full loads and use cold water to save water, energy, and the colors in your clothes.
In the bathroom, turn off the faucet when brushing teeth, washing hands, washing hair in the shower, or while shaving. Teach water saving ideas to children to decrease use and help make water conservation a way of life for years to come.
It costs more upfront to switch to high-efficiency appliances, but they, too, will ultimately save you money on your water bill. Installing high-efficiency clothes washers and dishwashers, and low-flow sinks, showers, and toilets, will reduce overall consumption
Outdoor water use also presents lots of opportunities to conserve. Sprinkler systems can be engineered to save water by timing them to deliver water in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler. Sprinklers should be maintained to prevent them from watering the house and sidewalk in addition to the lawn. Adjust sprinkler settings to determine how much water your lawn actually needs and prevent overwatering. More efficient drip irrigation systems can be installed for trees and shrubbery.
Better yet, consider planting more drought-resistant trees and plants, and think about whether you actually need a lawn. Many local governments are offering rebates to convert lawns into more natural, drought-resistant landscaping.
These represent a small sample of the many ways Californians have begun to cut back our overall water use. For more ideas, look to www.saveourwater.com and www.bewaterwise.com.
As Australia has shown us, collective efforts can make each precious drop of water go that much farther.
Support Us on Climate Ride California!
How can you enjoy an incredible 5-day bicycle ride on the northern California coast while supporting Sierra Club California? By joining Climate Ride and pedaling with 150 cyclists along 240 miles of stunning redwoods, dramatic coastline and a taste of wine country, from Eureka to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
This “green conference on wheels” and fully supported adventure raises funds for a collection of non-profits working on sustainability and bike advocacy, including Sierra Club California. This year’s ride is scheduled for May 17 through 21. Click here for ride details.
Anyone who signs up for the ride can raise money for the organization of their choice—and you can choose Sierra Club California. To get started on this ride, you first must register, reach the fundraising minimum and train for the ride. Then when the ride begins in May, be prepared for amazing riding, epic scenery, great speakers and good fellowship with other bicyclists.
Learn more and register at www.climateride.org.
Go Solar!
You can reduce California’s carbon emissions by the equivalent of taking your car off the road for 20 years, simply by going solar.
When you install rooftop solar with a company that is a trusted Sierra Club partner, you get a special discount and at the same time, send funds back to Sierra Club California. It’s a win-win-win!
Click here for more information and to get started.
Follow Us:
  |
Thank you for being a part of our work! You may securely donate online or by sending a check to Sierra Club California at 909 12th Street, Suite 202, Sacramento, CA 95814.
