The PCL Insider: News From The Capitol

VALENTINES DAY REMINDER?

If you haven't already hopped on your bicycle to hit the organic aisle, here's a hint that's bound to surprise your special someone today. 

Rigorous studies conducted by PCL staff around the lunch table concluded that organic and local or fare-trade sweets score major "sensitivity" points on V-Day. If you're hoping for some loving, say it in green. Trust us. We wouldn't make this stuff up.

KICKING ONE HABIT TO START ANOTHER: ALTERNATIVE FUELS MUST BE WATCHED CAREFULLY IN FIGHT AGAINST GLOBAL WARMING POLLUTION

How to move California away from its dependency on petroleum based gasoline for our cars, trucks and SUVs? That's one of the key questions before the state legislature this year and don't expect an easy answer.

Several bills have already been introduced in both the state Assembly and Senate addressing classification of alternative fuels, financial incentives to expand consumption of non-petroleum fuels, and funding for alternative fuel R&D activities. Even Governor Schwarzenegger has weighed in with an Executive Order to help the state stay ahead of the curve on cleaner technologies. 

Increasing the use of alternative fuels such as natural gas, electricity, ethanol, and biodiesel (including used vegetable oil) has the potential to help reduce the greenhouse gases that cause global warming. If done carefully, switching the source of the "vroom" in our state's fleet can also minimize the toxic air pollution that our cars and trucks currently spew into the air.

But it's not all chocolate and roses.

Environmental advocates will be tracking this issue very closely to ensure that as we develop a vision and framework to expand our production of alternative fuels, California's public health, as well as our air, water, farmland, and food supply are fully protected.

We'll be working with our allies to ensure each alternative fuel option is evaluated completely – with a full "well to wheel" or "kernel to combustion"  life-cycle analysis – so that the environmental impacts of all alternative fuel options are well understood. California can't risk letting politics play havoc with policy and we simply don't have time to solve one environmental problem by causing another.

Stay tuned as California determines how "alternative" our alternative fuels will be!

IF OUR LUNGS COULD TALK THEY'D BE SINGING: NEW PUSH TO IMPROVE CENTRAL VALLEY AIR QUALITY

As the 2007 legislative session gets rolling in Sacramento, Central Valley residents are getting ready for a new push in the battle against life-threatening air pollution.

Hot topics at the Capitol this year include reforms to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, allocation of air quality and transportation monies from the 2006 infrastructure bonds, new regulations for pesticides and dairies, and improvements to California's "Goods Movement" infrastructure and policy. 

The Central Valley Air Quality Coalition (CVAQ), a group of 70 community, medical, public health, environmental, and environmental justice organizations from Bakersfield to Chico, will be playing a key role in strengthening State law and Air District regulations, as well as seeking full and vigorous enforcement of the federal Clean Air Act and educating the public about the serious health impacts of air pollution.

 PCL is an active member of CVAQ, and this year, PCL's René Guerrero will be co-chairing the CVAQ Legislative Committee along with Sarah Sharpe of the Coalition for Clean Air. To hear more about the Coalition's legislative activities contact Rene at rguerrero@pcl.org or (916) 313-4508.

Also – Mark your calendars for an informational hearing on the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. How can the Air District reduce emissions to meet the 2013 federal deadline for reductions in ground-level ozone? Come and see!

February 20, 2007
11:00am
State Capitol, Room 3191
Sacramento, CA

ASSEMBLYMEMBER SPITZER PLEDGES TO KEEP MEETING WITH LOCAL ENVIRONMENTALISTS

At a recent legislative meeting with local environmentalists, Assemblymember Todd Spitzer pledged to begin quarterly round table discussions on Orange and Riverside County's most pressing environmental issues. 

Participants at the PCL-hosted meeting were pleased by the Assemblymember's pledge to improve communication and his concerns with current land use and transportation planning, especially concerning congestion along the 91 freeway.

Environmentalists also voiced their frustrations with the proposed extension of the 241 toll road through San Onofre State Beach, the proposed tunnel through the Cleveland National Forest, unmet regional open space funding needs, and the future of poorly planned developments. 

PCL will follow up to make sure these quarterly meetings materialize to help provide a voice for Southern California environmental groups in state and regional environmental policies. 

Thanks to our co-sponsors, the Orange County League of Conservation Voters, and the nearly 20 groups in attendance! 

SUSTAINABLE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY EXTRAVAGANZA IN SAN FRANCISCO

Interested in the role of science in national and international sustainability? Check out the Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science today through Monday in San Francisco. This year's theme is "Science and Technology for Sustainable Well-Being" and panels include the future of renewable energy, new approaches to development, climate change, and the understanding of race and diversity in planning and technology.

Expect several thousand people to turn out for the mega-event. The plenary sessions and job fair are free to the public.

ON-LINE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR 2007 PCL LEGISLATIVE SYMPOSIUM

Want to learn how to win the environmental battles that test this generation? You're in luck! That's the theme of this year's Environmental Legislative Symposium. And we're happy to announce that our on-line registration has just opened for this annual event. Sign up now to make sure we've got room for you at the Sacramento Convention Center on April 14!

If you join PCL and the PCL Foundation for the Legislative Symposium you'll have the opportunity to help us identify the economic, environmental, and social equity challenges that confront California and the key battles that we must win to protect the future of the Golden State. You'll also get the tools you'll need to win those battles, including policy trainings, updates on local and state environmental policy issues, and those coveted connections with Capitol Insiders. 

Register on-line today!