Action Alert: Show Your Support to the Governor for Important Legislation

Sign on to Sustainable California support letters:

NOTE: Please send in your responses by 5 pm Thursday September 11th to be included

Sustainable California is collecting support for the following bills that have been passed by the Assembly and the Senate and are headed to the Governor for signature or veto.

Please show your support for these bills. We have drafted support letters to Governor Schwarzenegger urging his signature of the bills into law. If you would like to see these letters and/or sign on to one or more of them, please send mailto:danielle@csgcalifornia.com

If you would like to sign on to the letter(s), please send your name, organization, electronic signature, and logo. We will collect names in support of each of the bills and submit a group support letter from Sustainable California for each bill.

Senate Bill 732: Strategic Growth Council/Urban Greening/Land Use and Planning Incentives. This bill is authored by Senator Steinberg and would establish the Strategic Growth Council, a secretarial-level Council that would serve as a forum to coordinate infrastructure spending to meet climate and sustainability goals. The Council will also oversee two Proposition 84 grant programs: Urban Greening ($70 million) and Land Use & Planning Incentives ($90 million).

Senate Bill 375: Transportation, Land Use, and Climate Change. This bill is also authored by Senator Steinberg and would establish standards for regional transportation plans that include the development of sustainable community strategies and the encouragement of higher density development and reduced sprawl. The plans would specifically relate to regional requirements to reduce transportation related greenhouse gas emissions to meet the state’s greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. The bill provides CEQA incentives for local agencies that adopt and implement sustainable community strategies.

Assembly Bill 2045: Urban Forestry Act of 1978. This bill is authored by Assemblymember De La Torre and would update and broaden the Urban Forestry Act of 1978 to highlight the role that urban forests play in reducing greenhouse gases, improving air and water quality, conserving energy and water, and providing recreation and other environmental benefits. The Act has language that directs the California Department of Forestry and Fire (Cal Fire) in administering its urban forestry program.

Assembly Bill 31: Local and Regional Parks. This bill is authored by Assemblymember de Leon and provides guidance to the Department of Parks and Recreation for the expenditure of $400 million from Proposition 84 for Local and Regional Parks. The bill provides criteria designed to target underserved and disadvantaged communities wherever they occur (i.e. urban, suburban, or rural areas).

Assembly Bill 2537: Prevailing Wage Volunteer Exemption. This bill is authored by Assemblymember Furutani and extends the volunteer and conservation corps exemption from California’s prevailing wage requirement. Without this exemption, projects funded by bonds and other state funds cannot use volunteers or conservation corps members. A variety of procedural and fiscal issues nearly stopped this bill in the Senate and only last minute rule waivers allowed it to be considered and passed. While removing the sunset clause (making the exemption permanent) is certainly desirable, it was not politically feasible this session; therefore, the bill includes a three year sunset clause.

Announcement: Community Tree Leadership Forum

Learn more about fundraising, legislative advocacy, and marketing at the Community Tree Leadership Forum

Join California ReLeaf and co-hosts the Alliance for Community Trees and the National Arbor Day Foundation for the 2008 Community Tree Leadership Forum, a two-day event designed for staff members and volunteers of urban forestry nonprofits.

The Community Tree Leadership Forum works to increase the impact of the nonprofit and community organizations working on urban forest issues by providing in-depth training to strengthen management and leadership skills within our sector. At this event, participants will have the opportunity to learn about fundraising, legislative advocacy, and marketing. Pricing includes lodging Friday-Saturday, most meals, and all sessions and materials.

Northern California

August 1-2, 2008

UC Santa Cruz

* Registration deadline: July 18

Southern California

August 8-9, 2008

Kellogg West Conference Center & Lodge, Pomona

* Registration deadline: July 25

Speakers

Tracy Yassini

Fundraising and Development

Over the last 15 years, Tracy Yassini has had the rare and great fortune to be able to garner experience in nearly all forms of fundraising-city and state funding, corporations and foundations, major gifts from individuals, endowment and capital campaigns, individual sustainer programs, direct email, gala events and house parties. In addition to several years spent at larger "institutional nonprofits," her "on the ground" experiences with social justice and social service organizations enables her to address real life issues with strategies and approaches that work. Tracy is a certified Conflict Resolution Mediator and a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Connie Gallippi

Legislative Advocacy

Connie Gallippi is a Senior Policy Consultant at Conservation Strategy Group who specializes in urban forest and urban sustainability issues. She provides strategic guidance, state legislative and administrative lobbying, and public funding consultation to a variety of nonprofit and public agencies on urban forestry and sustainable cities initiatives. Before joining Conservation Strategy Group, Connie was the Greenprint Director at the Sacramento Tree Foundation, a community-based nonprofit organization. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Tech in Forestry and Natural Resource Management and is an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist.

Robert Palmer

Strategic Marketing

Robert C. Palmer is president of Platzner & CO a boutique consulting firm that empowers foundations, social enterprises and nonprofit organizations to achieve a higher level of community impact and change. Working with local, national and global organizations, Platzner & Co. designs and implements sustainable marketing and business programs tailored to the individual needs of each nonprofit, so that they can consistently attain their goals and fulfill their mission. Palmer has more than 20 years of strategic communications, marketing and general business experience including 15 years of high-tech work in Silicon Valley. He received his B.S. in Journalism from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and resides in Oakland, CA.

Cost

$250 per person

$150 discounted rate for California ReLeaf Network Members

* Cost includes one night of lodging, meals, registration, course materials, and parking for those who register by the deadline. Thanks to generous support from the USDA Forest Service and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, fees are greatly reduced for all participants.

Here’s what past participants had to say:

“I have been fundraising for over 25 years and I still learned something today.” - Larry Webber, Keep Brevard Beautiful

“Thank you - this has renewed my commitment to urban forestry for another ten years!” - Joan Lionetti, Trees for Tucson

“All of the information was relevant and I will definitely be recommending the Community Tree Leadership Forums to my colleagues.” - Christie Ralston, Friends of Troy Gardens

For more information, including prices, visit either Santa Cruz or Pomona event websites. If you have any questions, contact Ashley Mastin at (530) 757-7330 or amastin@californiareleaf.org.

Register for the Community Tree Leadership Forum

Emerging Issue: California Introduces Blueprint for Climate Change

California Air Resources Board Draft Scoping Plan Has Many Ties to Urban Sustainability

On June 26, 2008, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) released its draft scoping plan on how to implement California’s landmark climate change legislation, The Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32). The plan has been under development for some time and is regarded as the framework for how the state will reduce its carbon emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020.

The plan will be available for public review over the next several months before the board makes changes to the proposal and adopts the final plan later this year. The plan includes, but is not limited to, proposals to require more efficient cars, protect our natural areas, improve the efficiency of common home appliances, and require oil companies to make cleaner gasoline.

Many of the emission reduction measures have ties to urban sustainability including: Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Forests, Water, Vehicle Efficiency Measures, Million Solar Roofs Program, Local Government Actions and Regional Targets, Recycling and Waste, and more.

You can access the plan here: Scoping Plan

ARB is soliciting input to the plan through August 1, 2008, which can be submitted online or provided at any of the following public workshops offered in July:

Tuesday, July 8, 2008
9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
SCAQMD, Auditorium
21865 Copley Drive
Diamond Bar, CA 91765-4182

Monday, July 14, 2008
9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Fresno City Hall, Council Chambers, 2nd floor
2600 Fresno Street
Fresno, CA 93721

Thursday, July 17, 2008
9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cal/EPA Headquarters, Byron Sher Auditorium
1001 "I" Street
Sacramento, CA 95812

Action Alert: Support AB 2045 Urban Forestry Act

Sign on to a support letter from Sustainable California

Sustainable California is collecting support for Assembly Bill 2045, authored by Assemblymember De La Torre, which will update and broaden the Urban Forestry Act of 1978. The Act has language that directs the California Department of Forestry and Fire (Cal Fire) in administering its urban forestry program. The Act is now in its 30th year, during the height of activity around reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the effects of climate change. It is an opportune time to make update the Act to highlight the role that urban forests play in reducing greenhouse gases, improving air and water quality, conserving energy and water, and providing recreation and other environmental benefits.

Please show your support for this bill – below is a copy of a support letter to Assemblymember Hector De La Torre, the author of the bill. If you would like to sign on to the letter, please email jessica@csgcalifornia.com or fax 916-553-3071 Attention: Jessica your name and organization, no signature is required. We will collect names in support of the bill and submit a group support letter from Sustainable California.


Sample Support Letter:


Sustainable California

May 28, 2008


Assemblymember Hector De La Torre
State Capitol, Room 3173
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: Assembly Bill 2045 (De La Torre) – SUPPORT

Dear Assemblymember De La Torre,

On behalf of Sustainable California, a group of organizations focused on urban sustainability policy development and funding programs, we write to express our collective support for Assembly Bill 2045, which would update the Urban Forestry Act of 1978 to reflect the many benefits of urban forestry.

The benefits of urban forests are wide ranging and varied. They improve community and neighborhood aesthetics, and thereby provide economic and social benefits. Urban forests also reduce green house gas emissions, improve air quality, reduce urban heat island effects, sequester carbon, filter air pollutants, and conserve energy by shading homes and buildings. Urban forests also absorb water and keep soil intact, and thereby reduce stormwater flows and keep pollutants out of our water.

AB 2045 would build upon and expand the benefits of the existing Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) Urban Forestry program and other programs the state may develop related to urban greening and urban sustainability.

AB 2045 helps provide more attractive and livable California communities through urban forestry programs and projects that provide multiple benefits, including improved air and water quality, energy and water conservation, climate change mitigation, and recreational and other community benefits.

We collectively support AB 2045 because it supports urban forestry and other urban greening activities in California communities. We believe urban forests, and the environmental and social benefits they provide, are a vital component to moving California forward. We thank you for considering this bill.

With best regards,

Emerging Issue: Capturing Carbon in Your Community: New Reporting Protocols for Tree Planting Projects

Article courtesy of E. Gregory McPherson, Ph.D., Center for Urban Forest Research, Pacific Southwest Research Station, U.S. Forest Service, Davis, CA, egmcpherson@ucdavis.edu

Planting and stewarding trees is one of the best ways to capture and store carbon for climate protection, while at the same time enhancing quality of life where we live, work, and play. Over the course of its life, a tree can store 10,000 lb of carbon dioxide (CO2), or 4.5 metric tons (t) (McPherson and Simpson 1999). Also, if planted strategically, a city tree will lower energy use and thereby reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at the power plant. In hotter climates, like California’s Central Valley, the GHG benefits from energy conservation can exceed those of carbon storage.

The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB32) requires a reduction in GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. This amounts to a reduction of 173 Mt (million tons) from the predicted level in 2020. Our initial research suggests that planting lots of trees in California communities can make a difference when it comes to fighting climate change. Using aerial photography, we found 242 million empty tree planting sites in California cities (McPherson and Simpson 2003). If 50 million trees were planted, they would sequester about 4.5 Mt CO2 (million tons) annually. If they were planted strategically to shade east and west walls of residential buildings, they would reduce air conditioning energy use by 6,408 GWh, equivalent to an average annual CO2 equivalent emission reduction of 1.8 Mt. The estimated total CO2 reduction of 6.3 Mt annually is 3.6% of the 173 Mt statewide goal.

Given that urban forestry can be a win-win investment, a stakeholder-driven process has developed a credible but simple approach for accounting and reporting GHG benefits from urban tree planting projects to the California Climate Action Registry. Reporting carbon reductions to the Registry guarantees their credibility and accuracy in the eyes of regulators and investors. Although originally designed for California users, the Urban Forest Greenhouse Gas Reporting Protocol (UFP) can be readily transferable to other states and countries.

Underpinning the UFP is new science quantifying effects of urban forests on GHGs. A new technology, the Center for Urban Forest Research’s Tree Carbon Calculator (CTCC) is a companion to the UFP that translates research into a useful tool. The Excel spreadsheet provides numerical data on carbon storage, energy savings, and biomass volumes for common tree species in California cities. Together, the UFP and CTCC will put a wealth of science-based information at your fingertips.

The UFP provides a reporting process for GHG tree projects that will permanently increase carbon storage. GHG emissions released by motor vehicles and equipment used to maintain project trees are also reported. In addition to GHG benefits related to carbon storage, project developers are encouraged to report a project’s GHG emission reductions related to energy conservation and use of tree residue as feedstock for biopower plants. Guidance for reporting carbon stored in wood products is under development. Some key aspects of the UFP follow.

- The UFP is aimed at three users: cities, utilities, and college campuses
- A 100-year project reporting period guarantees the long-term existence of carbon storage gains from urban forestry projects
- Planting at least 1,000 project tree sites is recommended
- All project tree sites must be inventoried at least once every ten years
- Procedures are presented to track changes in the levels of care and spending for existing (nonproject) trees
- One goal of the UFP is to ensure that entities are sustaining their existing carbon stocks before engaging in new GHG tree projects
- If the actual amount of carbon stored by project trees differs from the forecast by more than 10%, the forecast must be reviewed and updated as necessary
- An initial project report is required that includes a description of existing tree resources, a project description, maintenance plan, a baseline, and a forecast of future carbon storage and other GHG benefits from project trees for the 100-year period.
- Once a GHG tree project is underway an annual monitoring report is required that includes documentation of compliance with expected levels of service for tree maintenance, quantification of the CO2 stored and released via tree care activities for that year, any significant (≥ 10%) differences between the actual CO2 and the projected level, quantification of other GHG benefits (optional), and a description of monitoring techniques.
- Initial and annual monitoring reports are reviewed by an independent verifier hired by the project developer.

To obtain a complete copy of the draft UFP and learn more about the Registry, visit their website at http://www.climateregistry.org/tools/protocols/project-protocols.html

Currently, reporting activities that generate emission reductions is voluntary and there is a substantial demand for quality GHG emission reduction credits. Many organizations and individuals look to the voluntary carbon market for the purchase of GHG emission reduction credits that they can use to offset their GHG emissions and, in some cases, to demonstrate carbon neutrality. Once adopted by the Registry, the UFP sets the stage for significant investment in large-scale tree planting projects. New investments in our community forests have the potential to transform how our cities look, feel, and function. To make that potential a reality will require new knowledge, improved practices, and stronger partnerships.

Acknowledgements

This project was made possible by generous support from CalFire. I am deeply indebted to the technical assistance provided by Steering Committee members from the Registry, Pacific Forest Trust, EcoSecurities, Sacramento Municipal Utilities District, TreePeople, California Air Resources Board, California Energy Commission, CalFire, Western Chapter International Society of Arboriculture, and U.S. Forest Service, as well as expertise supplied by a score of other committee members.

References

McPherson, E.G.; Simpson, J.R. 1999. Carbon Dioxide Reductions Through Urban Forestry: Guidelines for Professional and Volunteer Tree Planters (General Technical Report PSW-171). Albany, CA: USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station; 237 p.
McPherson, E.G.; Simpson, J.R. 2003. Potential energy savings in buildings by an urban tree planting programme in California. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. 2: 73-86.

Press Clip: Congresswoman Doris Matsui Introduces the Energy Conservation Through Trees Act

SMUD Program Highlighted as National Model

__________________________________

Washington, D.C. - April 22, 2008*

Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-05) introduced the Energy Conservation Through Trees Act of 2008 to help lower utility bills and improve air quality. By promoting the strategic planting of trees, the amount of energy needed to heat and cool homes will be reduced.

"Today, we are tasked with reducing our dependence on foreign oil, stabilizing our energy grid, and improving air quality. By harnessing the enterprising spirit of Americans and utilizing a diverse range of innovative approaches, we can accomplish this goal," said Rep. Matsui.

Patterned after the successful model established by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), the Energy Conservation Through Trees Act seeks to save Americans dramatic amounts of money on their utility bills and reduce outside temperatures in urban areas. The program conducted by SMUD has been proven to lower energy bills, make local power utilities more cost-effective, and reduce air pollution.

Planting shade trees around homes in a strategic manner is a proven way to lower energy demand in residential areas. According to research conducted by the Department of Energy, three shade trees strategically planted around a house can reduce home air-conditioning bills by about 30 percent in some cities, and a nationwide shade program could reduce air-conditioning use by at least 10 percent. Shade trees also help to:

- Improve public health and air quality by absorbing particulate matter;
- Store carbon dioxide to help slow global warming;
- Reduce the risk of flooding in urban areas by absorbing stormwater runoff;
- Improve private property values and increase residential aesthetics;
- Preserve public infrastructure, such as streets and sidewalks.

The legislation requires the use of science-based tree-siting guidelines to ensure that trees are not planted in locations that will disrupt pre-existing infrastructure, block solar panels and wind turbines, or damage power lines. Consultation during the development of these guidelines must be provided by Technical Advisory Committees (TACs) that are composed of local energy and arboricultural experts.

It also requires utilities that receive assistance to partner with nonprofit tree-planting organizations or other municipal infrastructure groups to run the technical side of the program. These nonprofit groups are meant to serve as tree-planting experts to complement utilities'
financial interest in lowering peak energy demand and reducing consumption. They will provide technical and outreach assistance, work with tree recipients, and ensure that trees are planted in the right place to maximize energy conservation.

"In Sacramento, we are committed to solving the global warming crisis and reducing our impact on our planet. By expanding one of our successful local initiatives to the national level, we can help ensure that we are handing over a cleaner world to future generations," said Rep. Matsui.

"My legislation is a piece of the puzzle that will become the solution to our environmental challenges and securing our energy independence.
We must take action now to make sure that our planet continues to thrive and flourish for years to come. Reducing our environmental impact will have far-reaching effects into the quality of life for the American people, and people around the world," said Rep. Matsui.

Utilizing Strategically Planted Trees to Conserve Energy is endorsed by:

National Arbor Day Foundation, Alliance for Community Trees, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, American Forests, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, International Society of Arborists, American Public Works Association, California Urban Forests Council, Urban Ecology Institute, California ReLeaf, American Society of Landscape Architects, Trees Atlanta, Friends of Trees, Utility Arborists Association, Sacramento Tree Foundation, Trees Forever, American Public Power Association, Pacific Gas and Electric

###

*Reprinted (in part) from Rep. Doris Matsui’s press release.

What would you like to see?

As you know, Conservation Strategy Group has initiated Sustainable California as a forum for organizations and agencies to share information and identify opportunities for individuals and organizations to engage in urban sustainability policy development and funding programs in California.

To give this forum a jump-start, we would like to hear from you about what you would like to see when you hear from Sustainable California or you check out our website.

• What issues or topics are you interested in?
• Are there new concepts you would like to explore?
• Do you have something interesting to share about your work or a question to pose to the group?

This forum is designed to be informative and engaging, so we are open to your thoughts and suggestions. You can respond to this email or post your thoughts on our website. We will post a summary of the input we receive in about a week.

Please post your comments below.

Emerging Issue: The Governor's Strategic Growth Council

The Governor has proposed the creation of a “Strategic Growth Council.” This builds upon a concept that emerged last year in the Legislature: the Sustainable Communities Council.

As proposed, the Council would manage funding programs, including $90 million Urban Greening and $90 million Land Use Planning Incentives from Proposition 84, as well as a new proposed water bond.

Chaired by the Director of the Office of Planning and Research, the Council will consist of the Secretaries from four state agencies (Resources; Environmental Protection; Business, Transportation and Housing; Food and Agriculture). The five-member Council will help state agencies allocate Strategic Growth Plan money in ways that best promote efficiency, sustainability, and support the Governor's economic and environmental goals.

As proposed, the Council would:

· Award and manage grants and loans from Proposition 84 funds to support the development of sustainable communities. The Council's responsibilities will include establishing application requirements and evaluation criteria

· Coordinate the four member state agencies as they undertake infrastructure and development projects to encourage sustainable land use, protect natural resources, improve air and water quality, increase the availability of affordable housing, improve transportation, and meet the goals of the Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32)

· Recommend policies to the Governor, the Legislature, and state agencies that encourage sustainable development

· Collect and provide data to local governments to help them develop and plan sustainable communities. While the state has little direct say in local land-use planning, the Council will provide leadership and support for locals

This Council idea is being carried forward in Senate Bill 732 (Steinberg). We will be tracking this as it moves through the Legislature and will let you know when there is an opportunity to engage in the development or progress of this concept.

More information can be found here: Strategic Growth Plan

What is Sustainable California?

What we want to do:

Build a network that will share information and identify opportunities for individuals and organizations to constructively engage in urban sustainability policy development and funding programs in California

What we like to talk about:

Urban Greening - urban forestry, greening existing spaces and rights-of-way, community gardens, urban trails, opens spaces, river parkways, and parks

Urban Watershed Management - restoration of the natural flow of streams and rivers, increased permeable surface area, water conservation and recycling, local groundwater aquifer recharge in and adjacent to urban areas, integrated water management, stormwater management, and multiple-objective projects

Land Use Planning and Infill Development - high-density, mixed-use and infill development, walkability/bikeability, transit-oriented development, multi-use venues (e.g. open space, schools, and churches serving multiple purposes), and brownfield reclamation and development

What we hope to accomplish:

* Create opportunities for a wide range of organizations, agencies, and individuals interested in urban sustainability to participate in information sharing across the state and in different sectors

* Provide relevant, current, and interesting information regarding urban sustainability issues in California

* Identify opportunities for people to engage in urban sustainability policy and funding

* The state invests current and future state funding, including Proposition 84 funds and funding appropriated towards AB 32 (Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006) implementation, in plans and projects that drive California towards a more sustainable future

Welcome to Sustainable California

Conservation Strategy Group has initiated this new project called Sustainable California, a forum for organizations and agencies designed to share information and identify opportunities for individuals and organizations to engage in urban sustainability policy development and funding programs in California.

Conservation Strategy Group will provide email updates on what’s happening at the Capitol and identify opportunities to take action in support of urban sustainability. We have also established this online resource through which information could be shared. Our hope is that the network would evolve over time so that participating organizations would also share information with each other.