Rural Energy & Climate Policy Forum

September 28, 2011
Tsakopoulos Library Galleria, Sacramento

The Rural Energy and Climate Policy Forum was a daylong gathering of leadership from the private sector, rural local governments and California state government to define strategies to build a strong economy, create jobs, improve public health and move to a clean energy future in rural communities through implementing the goals of AB 32, the Global Warming Solution Act.

Morning Panel Discussion - Big Picture Policy, Trends and Opportunities
Panelists:
Alex Hinds, Sonoma State University's Center for Sustainable Communities
Cliff Rechtschaffen, Senior Advisor to Governor Jerry Brown
Heather Fargo, Strategic Growth Council
James Goldstene, California Air Resources Board, Executive Officer
This session covered a brief overview of AB 32 presented by the Brown Administration, in addition to CEQA compliance requirements, a cap and trade over, the role of Sustainable Community Strategies in implementing AB 32,a climate change scoping plan economic analysis for rural communities, and other background on energy and climate policy.

Morning Panel Q&A

Afternoon Panel Discussion - General Plan Updates, CAP tools
Panelists:
Ken Alex, Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, Director and Advisor to
Governor Jerry Brown
Monica Rudman, California Energy Commission, Energy Specialist and "Energy Aware Planning Guide," Project Manager
Martha Brook, California Energy Commission, High Performance Buildings and Standards Development Office, Senior Mechanical Engineer
Alex Hinds, Sonoma State University's Center for Sustainable Communities
This session addressed how to incorporate CEQA in General Plans and other plans, the role of Climate Action Plans, Title 24 and Reach Codes use and implementation, an introduction to the Energy Aware Planning Guide and tips and tools for direct implementation specific to rural California communities. The session also provided communication tools to use within your community.

Afternoon Panel Q&A

Rural Energy and Climate Forum Next Steps
Brief Presentation of Successful Case studies in Rural Regions, best practices, and facilitated group discussion on addressing energy and climate change as opportunities.

BACKGROUND
The passage of The Global Warming Solutions Act in 2006 (AB 32) marked a moment in California history that stood to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from all corners of the state.  Despite California’s leading role in environmental protection, the state is also one of the largest emitters of carbon worldwide. Both private and public sectors are now tasked with reaching these reduction targets while rural and urban jurisdictions are faced with compliance challenges that require thought and strategy.

The aims of AB 32 are rooted in clean air and a clean energy economy, and rightfully so, communities are looking to AB 32 to meet their expectations. The Forum provided local governments, nonprofit, private entities and community members with an overview from top level state staff on where the State Agencies and the new Governor's Administration stand with regard to developing climate policy, programs, regulations and incentives.  The Forum gave State staff the opportunity to hear from local government leaders and the private sector about the unique circumstances of how climate policy and strategies affect rural communities.

This event wass hosted by the Sierra Nevada Energy Watch. Sierra Nevada Energy Watch is a collaboration between Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and Sierra Business Council dedicated to providing innovative energy efficiency solutions for local governments and businesses in Sierra Nevada communities within PG&E territory. This program is funded by California utility customers and administered by Pacific Gas and Electric Company, under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission.