California Climate & Energy Collaborative

How California Green has and has not worked

Sarina Soor
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“California is now the greenest nation state in the world. But, 10 years down that road, we’ve encountered some unforeseen environmental impacts, twists and turns. hen new homes cost more to build, older energy-guzzling, deferred-maintenance fixer-uppers gain market value apace. The poor can’t afford housing and new underwater homeowners can’t afford to invest in energy…

How green groups became so white and what to do about it

Sarina Soor
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“If environmental organizations want to become racially diverse, says sociologist Dorceta Taylor, they need to change the way they perceive people of color. In an e360 interview, she talks about how the conservation movement must transform itself to become more inclusive and effective.” Click here to read more from yale360.

Our Powers Combined: Energy Efficiency and Solar in Affordable Multifamily Buildings

Sarina Soor
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A growing number of housing providers, utility-sector program administrators, and investors are working to combine energy efficiency improvements with solar systems in affordable multifamily buildings. Pairing energy efficiency with rooftop solar systems can reduce energy costs for these buildings and their low-income residents. This report includes several case studies of affordable multifamily building owners who…

Cities are laying the foundation for a robust and equitable energy efficiency workforce

Sarina Soor
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“Local governments across the United States are increasingly prioritizing energy efficiency, and there are a lot of efficiency jobs out there – 2.25 million. These jobs span diverse industries, from construction to professional and business services. And they are projected to keep multiplying, with a 9% increase predicted for 2018. With the right policies and…

Energy-efficient light bulbs harder to find, more expensive in high-poverty neighborhoods

Sarina Soor
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“A Detroit area study finds that energy-efficient CFLs and LEDs are more expensive and less readily available in high-poverty urban neighborhoods. The survey found high-poverty neighborhoods lacked the large retailers offering lower prices and wider selection. CFL and LED bulb prices and availability differed across the county, but more limited availability and higher prices were…

Climate Equity is Climate-Smart – Apr 18

Sarina Soor
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Climate change impacts all of us. However, low-income communities and communities of color are often hurt first and worst. In these communities, climate change is a complicating environmental challenge stacked on top of histories of pollution, disinvestment, and discrimination. Adaptation professionals across the country hope to leverage investments in climate action for achieving climate equity.…

Sacramento trying not to leave low-income drivers behind in push for 70,000 more electric vehicles

Sarina Soor
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“There are only four sites with two cars each under the program. And, in general, widespread access to electric vehicles is uncommon in Sacramento. For instance, the city runs a charging program in parking structures downtown. It’s mostly utilized by those who earn $75,000 or more annually. That could change under Sacramento’s new electric vehicle…

California takes 5 steps toward energy equity

Sarina Soor
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“Low-income renters and affordable housing owners face disproportionately high energy burdens—the percentage of income going to utility bills—and improving access to clean energy means lower bills, more housing security, and a cleaner, healthier environment for more Californians. As a part of Energy Efficiency for All (EEFA), a collaborative effort between affordable housing, energy efficiency, clean…