More Climate Pollution Progress Ahead
New Groundwater Management Law Forges Ahead
Berryessa Snow Mountain Takes Step Toward Monument Designation
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More Climate Pollution Progress Ahead
By Kathryn Phillips
The two-year session of the legislature began on a high note on January 5 with Governor Jerry Brown’s combined state-of-the-state/inaugural address strongly defining the need to set and meet strong goals to reduce greenhouse gas pollution.
“California has the most far-reaching environmental laws of any state and the most integrated policy to deal with climate change of any political jurisdiction in the Western Hemisphere,” Governor Brown said before enumerating a strong list of actions already underway, including existing renewable energy goals, energy efficiency actions, and clean cars requirements. “These efforts, impressive though they are, are not enough.”
As Governor Brown noted in his speech, climate scientists have determined that humans need to aggressively cut greenhouse gas emissions to limit average global warming to no more than 2 degrees Celsius by 2050. He then listed three goals for California to achieve by 2030 to do its part:
· Increase from one-third to 50 percent the amount of electricity derived from renewable resources;
· Reduce petroleum use in cars and trucks by up to 50 percent; and,
· Double the efficiency of existing buildings and make heating fuels cleaner.
The governor’s remarks were music to the ears of so many people around the state—including Club members and staff—who have worked for decades to help California assertively curb climate-disrupting pollution, from carbon gases associated with combustion engines fueled by petroleum and natural gas, to methane emitted during oil and gas drilling.
In December, Senator Fran Pavley introduced legislation to codify greenhouse gas reduction targets for 2050 and beyond, and to encourage interim targets. That same month, Senate Pro Tem Kevin de Leon announced that he would introduce legislation to require state pension funds to disinvest from coal.
In the coming weeks, we anticipate that additional legislation will surface to help drive the interim goals. Altogether, the bills could create an impressive package of environmental legislation that will send a clear signal to investors and clean technology companies that California continues to be serious about playing its important leadership role to reduce climate change pollution.
More importantly, though, new legislation will be another strong step toward getting us to the goals we need to achieve to protect the planet.
You’ll be hearing more about this, and how you can help, from Club staff and activists as the legislative package unfolds.
New Groundwater Management Law Forges Ahead
By Annie Pham
This year, state and local agencies will go forward with implementing a new law that requires tangible groundwater management for the first time in California’s history.
The lack of groundwater management in California continues to cause catastrophic impacts in the state, especially as dependence increases due to the prolonged drought. Fortunately, a resolution was reached last year after months of lengthy dialogues among stakeholders, including Sierra Club California.
Assembly Bill 1739 and Senate Bill 1168 by Assemblymember Roger Dickinson and Senator Fran Pavley were passed and signed by the Governor to enact the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. Effective January 1 of this year, the Act requires local authorities to manage groundwater and provides pathways for the state to intervene if certain deadlines or conditions are not met.
The law requires actions to manage groundwater at the local level with some guidelines set by the state. The first two years can be dedicated to designating or forming local sustainable groundwater management agencies to oversee the management process for troubled basins. Discussions are already taking place in some areas to comply.
The California Water Foundation, the Association of Water Agencies, and some specific local water agencies have begun scheduling workshops around the state to consider governance structure of the groundwater basin management agencies. The workshops are set for January 26 in Willows, February 4 in Tulare and February 5 in Modesto. Representatives from local water districts, sponsors of the Act, and the Boards of the Supervisors are scheduled to speak at these events.
These meetings will be great opportunities for those who live in the three areas to attend and comment on agency formation, transparency and the need for public involvement. Spaces are limited so please sign up immediately athttp://www.eventbrite.com/o/2015-groundwater-workshops-7787671759. The workshop in Willows currently has a waiting list and spaces may open up after January 16, however there is still room at the other two events.
Aside from attending one of these three workshops, Sierra Club California members who would like to be actively involved at the local level can contact me, Annie Pham, at annie.pham@sierraclub.org. Volunteers will be called on to attend public hearings, monitor actions of sustainable groundwater management agencies, and weigh in on the planning and management process.
Berryessa Snow Mountain Takes Step Toward Monument Designation
By Michael Thornton
Despite wind-driven heavy rains on Friday, December 19, 2014, over 350 people came out to a public meeting held on the Napa Valley College campus to let Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell know that they want President Barak Obama to use his authority under the Antiquities Act and designate the Berryesa Snow Mountain region as a National Monument.
Victoria Brandon, Chair of the Sierra Club Redwood Chapter, was among the more than 100 people who spoke at the meeting. She told Jewell and the other dignitaries present, “We’re pleased that the Obama administration has recognized what we’ve long known-- this stretch of the Inner Coast Range is a truly remarkable natural wonder. And as the crowd here today attests, there is a strong desire to see it permanently protected as a national monument.”
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell who, along with Congressmen Mike Thompson and John Garamendi, toured the area before the public meeting said, "This is a beautiful area with cultural history and great opportunities for outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing so it's no surprise that the community wants to make sure that it is protected and passed on to the next generation."
Stretching nearly 100 miles from the shores of Lake Berryessa to the flanks of Snow Mountain in the Mendocino National Forest, the national monument proposal has widespread support from local officials, community leaders, businesses, outdoor recreation and conservation groups, and thousands of area residents. It would include federal lands already managed by various federal agencies.
Berryessa Snow Mountain area provides significant recreation opportunities for people in the nearby San Francisco and Sacramento metropolitan areas, as well as visitors from around the world. It offers opportunities for hiking, camping, boating, fishing, mountain biking, off-highway vehicle use and other types of recreation.
For more information on Berreyesa Snow Mountain and the campaign to name this unique area a National Monument visit: http://berryessasnowmountain.org/
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.
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