ECOS Climate Committee meeting 11/16/2023

ECOS Climate Committee meeting
Thursday, November 16, 2023 – 6 PM start (Zoom)
Link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6656164155
To phone in: 669-900-6833, Meeting ID: 665 616 4155

6:00 PM: Welcome and Introductions

6:10 PM: Timothy Irvine-Alavi (Chair, Sacramento County Climate Emergency Mobilization Task Force)
will report on the Task Force’s progress on recommendations to County Supervisors to be presented this winter. These result from their Energy Technical Advisory Panel (especially existing building electrification), their Transportation Technical Advisory Panel, and their Outreach and Education Subcommittee.

6:40 PM: Tamie Dramer (Executive Director, Organize Sacramento)
will present polling results for a possible November 2024 ballot initiative for affordable housing.

7:00 PM: Updates and Announcements

  1. Caltrans has started construction on the I-80 Yolo Causeway between Sacramento and Davis. On Monday, Nov. 13, Caltrans is scheduled to release a draft EIR (Environmental Impact Report) for the larger project – Adding lanes to the causeway. Let’s discuss possible comments due next month.
  2. Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Plan, Nov. 9 joint meeting SACOG, SMUD, SMAQMD, SacRT boards: to secure $ billions for climate initiatives (like ZEV deployment). Pre-proposal due Feb. 1, 2024 to US EPA. (e.g.: forest biomass conversion to green hydrogen fuel and sequestered biochar)
  3. New ECOS contract with SacRT for Educational Outreach and Communication Support Services

Click here to view the agenda in PDF.

New Federal Climate Laws – Use Them to Go Electric and Save Money

On January 25, 2023, Edith Thacher and Lisa Howard, of the local Citizens’ Climate Lobby chapter, spoke to ECOS members about the climate aspects of the Infrastructure Act, Growing Climate Solutions Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). They described the tax credit program in the IRA that is available to you.

The 117th U.S. Congress passed several bills that will have a powerful impact on the development of renewables and the increased efficiency and electrification of buildings. Edith and Lisa covered these bills and how you can access the funding for electrification and other climate-related improvements.

You can view the slides of their presentation used in the January 25, 2023 presentation by clicking below.

Click here to view the slides.