Greening Hollywood: GAvin Newsom

Thursday

Gavin Newsom Lays Out Green Agenda for California

By Tilde Herrera

California may have a reputation as the trendsetting state that has given the world a range of technologies, but the next frontier of innovation will likely be in cities, according to its new lieutenant governor.

Photo Courtesy Green Biz

"States are laboratories of democracy," said Gavin Newsom, "but cities are laboratories of innovation."

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But Newsom, who promoted mandatory composting in San Francisco and implemented the city's plastic bag ban, plans to use his bully pulpit to promote cleantech opportunities throughout the state -- an even off our coasts by tapping the ocean for energy.

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In an effort to make California a leader in electric cars, Newsom wants to install charging stations throughout California by utilizing the state's network of public rest stops in order to overcome consumer fears about EV driving ranges. He also wants to get the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program back on track to give homeowners and businesses a financing option for solar panels.

A final push from the lieutenant governor will focus on retrofitting the state's existing buildings, a two-pronged approach to improve energy efficiency and address California's high unemployment rate. Citing 2009 research, Newsom explained that a $1 billion investment in coal would yield 890 jobs, compared to 1,000-1,500 jobs in nuclear, 1,900 jobs in solar, and 3,300 jobs in wind.

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(This article can be read at: http://www.greenbiz.com/news/2011/02/02/gavin-newson-lays-out-green-agenda-california)

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Saturday

Environmental Champions Award by EWG

[From Sen.Pavley]

Environmental Champions Award

Sen. Pavley's Chief of Staff, Liz Fenton, with singer/songwriter/activist Bonnie Raitt at EWG awards ceremony. Photo courtesy of Claudine Gossett/Drew Altizer Photography

I was thrilled to be included with a list of dedicated lawmakers and public servants who were honored recently by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group with their 2010 Environmental Champions Award. My Chief of Staff, Liz Fenton, accepted the award for me. Other honorees included Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco), Senator Ellen Corbett (D-San Leandro), Assemblywoman Julia Brownley (D-Santa Monica), Lt. Governor – elect/outgoing San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and Debbie Raphael with the San Francisco Dept. of the Environment.

The following is from EWG:

Senator Fran Pavley While serving in the State Assembly, Pavley authored two landmark laws to combat climate change by limiting greenhouse gas emissions in California. In 2010, Pavley authored legislation that would have banned BPA in baby bottle, sippy cups, and food and formula containers. The bill failed on the Senate Floor in the last hours of the 2-year session after the chemical industry spent nearly $5 million on lobbyists. Also in 2010, Senator Pavley authored a bill which would ban the heavy metal cadmium in children's jewelry. This bill passed both houses and was signed by the Governor.

"While the commitment to public health and the environment may not be on the front burner in Washington these days, tonight's recipients are proof they are in California," said EWG president Ken Cook. "Taking on the chemical companies, bottled water makers and the wireless industry has proven to be a tough fight, but ones these folks aren't afraid to take on in the name of California's families."

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