December 3: Updates: BAAQMD tomorrow (Wed); CPUC harming rooftop solar; webinar 12/10
We hope you had a peaceful and restorative Thanksgiving week.
Here are two further updates on the email we sent November 25th on two issues we've brought up before: the new BAAQMD rules banning future sales of gas-powered heaters, and the California Public Utilities Commission's undermining of rooftop solar.
For the planet and all its inhabitants,
SF Climate emergency Coalition
Here are two further updates on the email we sent November 25th on two issues we've brought up before: the new BAAQMD rules banning future sales of gas-powered heaters, and the California Public Utilities Commission's undermining of rooftop solar.
For the planet and all its inhabitants,
SF Climate emergency Coalition
Push for NOx-free appliances, sooner rather than laterf you're planning to attend and comment at tomorrow’s Air District board meeting - when staff will give an update on progress towards the 2027 zero-emission compliance date for residential water heaters (Rule 9-6) - the following has helpful info and links. Feel free to pass this along to others.
Meeting Logistics
When: Wednesday, December 4, 10 amWhere: 375 Beale St, San Francisco 94105
Meeting Logistics
- The meeting location is 375 Beale Street, SF and will begin at 10am.
- This item comes late in the agenda, at item #25, after a closed session for item #23 and another action item that is expected to take some time. Staff does not expect the discussion on the zero-emission water heater rule to come up until 11:30 or later.
- Since in-person attendees will potentially be hanging around for a while, feel free to bring laptops to work on, books to read, snacks to snack on (outside in the lobby), knitting materials – whatever can help you fill some time quietly.
- Zoom link to join
- Agenda (see item #25)
- Staff presentation on Rule 9-6 (beginning p.15 of the agenda PDF)
- Public comment is 2 minutes by default, however given how late this item comes up in the agenda and that there may be a large number of speakers, speaking time may be shortened to 60-90 seconds.
- If attending in person, you will fill out a speaker card in order to give public comment. Those are generally available in the hallway as you enter the board room. You'll note on the card that you're addressing agenda item #25. Give your completed speaker card to the board clerk (who is sitting up front as you face the board, taking notes, calling speakers, etc.). There may also be someone collecting cards to give to the board clerk.
- If attending virtually, you will simply Raise Hand on Zoom after the agenda item has begun in order to sign up to speak. Remote speakers will be called after those who are in the room.
- Talking Points
When: Wednesday, December 4, 10 amWhere: 375 Beale St, San Francisco 94105
New report debunks CPUC claims; rooftop solar did NOT cost ratepayers billions!In addition to the meeting tonight at 6pm in Oakland, there is an online option Tuesday Dec 10th:
Live Webinar on 12/10: How California's rooftop solar consumers saved the state $2.3 billion in 2024On Tuesday 12/10 at 6pm, please join economist Richard McCann and Solar Rights Alliance staff for a live webinar reviewing Dr, McCann's new study showing that rooftop solar saved $2.3 billion in grid costs in 2024.
Dr. McCann's study directly rebuts the CA Public Utilities Commission's Public Advocates Office's August report claiming an $8.5 billion cost shift. This is powerful new data that we want you to have, understand, and share widely. Register here.
Live Webinar on 12/10: How California's rooftop solar consumers saved the state $2.3 billion in 2024On Tuesday 12/10 at 6pm, please join economist Richard McCann and Solar Rights Alliance staff for a live webinar reviewing Dr, McCann's new study showing that rooftop solar saved $2.3 billion in grid costs in 2024.
Dr. McCann's study directly rebuts the CA Public Utilities Commission's Public Advocates Office's August report claiming an $8.5 billion cost shift. This is powerful new data that we want you to have, understand, and share widely. Register here.
November25: Tell BAAQMD: Implement those gas-appliance phaseout rules on schedule!
We wish you a good Thanksgiving week, filled with gratitude. We are grateful to you for everything you do to protect the climate from - well, anything that threatens it.
Here are two updates on issues we've brought up before: the new rules banning future sales of gas-powered heaters, and the California Public Utilities Commission's undermining of rooftop solar.
For the planet and all its inhabitants,
SF Climate emergency Coalition
Here are two updates on issues we've brought up before: the new rules banning future sales of gas-powered heaters, and the California Public Utilities Commission's undermining of rooftop solar.
For the planet and all its inhabitants,
SF Climate emergency Coalition
♨︎ Continue to push for NOx-free appliances; send a letter to BAAQMD
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), responsible for ensuring clean and healthy air across the Bay Area, last year passed landmark regulations (known as Rules 9-4 and 9-6). These regulations would require all new water heaters and space heating systems to be zero NOx (nitrous oxides) emitting starting in 2027 for water heaters and 2029 for furnaces. SFCEC and allies commented at that meeting, and we thank those of you who sent letters beforehand and/or joined us at the meeting!
With gas heating responsible for almost 80% of household emissions, these rules would significantly cut pollution for 7.5 million Bay Area residents, and serve to inspire similar regulations statewide. But the rules are not implemented yet.
On December 4th, BAAQMD will hold a board meeting to review progress toward implementation. To ensure that these regulations go into effect on schedule, the BAAQMD Board needs to know the public widely supports these rules. Please take a moment to send your message to the BAAQMD board, before December 3rd at 5pm, to express your support for timely and equitable implementation. Use our handy letter-writing tool, and if possible personalize your message by mentioning why this is important to you. To review, here are some FAQs about the rules.
♨︎ If you can, please also attend BAAQMD's December 4th board meeting and make a public comment in favor of the rules.
Here's a link to a variety of talking points if you're interested in giving public comment, either in person or remotely.
When: Wednesday, December 4, 10 amWhere: 375 Beale St, San Francisco 94105
Remote participation: A link to join the meeting on Zoom and instructions for making public comments will be available on the day of the meeting on the BAAQMD site. The agenda will be posted 72 hours before the meeting.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), responsible for ensuring clean and healthy air across the Bay Area, last year passed landmark regulations (known as Rules 9-4 and 9-6). These regulations would require all new water heaters and space heating systems to be zero NOx (nitrous oxides) emitting starting in 2027 for water heaters and 2029 for furnaces. SFCEC and allies commented at that meeting, and we thank those of you who sent letters beforehand and/or joined us at the meeting!
With gas heating responsible for almost 80% of household emissions, these rules would significantly cut pollution for 7.5 million Bay Area residents, and serve to inspire similar regulations statewide. But the rules are not implemented yet.
On December 4th, BAAQMD will hold a board meeting to review progress toward implementation. To ensure that these regulations go into effect on schedule, the BAAQMD Board needs to know the public widely supports these rules. Please take a moment to send your message to the BAAQMD board, before December 3rd at 5pm, to express your support for timely and equitable implementation. Use our handy letter-writing tool, and if possible personalize your message by mentioning why this is important to you. To review, here are some FAQs about the rules.
♨︎ If you can, please also attend BAAQMD's December 4th board meeting and make a public comment in favor of the rules.
Here's a link to a variety of talking points if you're interested in giving public comment, either in person or remotely.
When: Wednesday, December 4, 10 amWhere: 375 Beale St, San Francisco 94105
Remote participation: A link to join the meeting on Zoom and instructions for making public comments will be available on the day of the meeting on the BAAQMD site. The agenda will be posted 72 hours before the meeting.
New report debunks CPUC claims; rooftop solar did NOT cost ratepayers billions!
The CPUC's Public Advocates Office (PAO) recently released a fact sheet with the incredible claim that rooftop solar users are making other ratepayers pay $8.5 billion more in 2024. The PAO is supposed to be the California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) internal ratepayer advocate. In reality, they are yet another government agency that is captured by the big utilities. Read more about that here. Energy economist Dr. Richard McCann has unpacked the PAO’s math, and found it riddled with errors and omissions. When those issues are corrected, the so-called “cost shift” becomes a $2.3 billion savings to all Californians in 2024.
Dave Rosenfeld, Executive Director of Solar Rights Alliance, will be in Oakland on Tuesday, December 3rd to talk about this. He will review the findings from the new report by Dr. McCann, debunking the claims made by the PAO. Dr. McCann found that the PAO used incorrect numbers and omissions to make their claim; shattering the utility lie, he shows how rooftop solar saves everyone money.
Rosenfeld will describe how Dr. McCann got there. He will also give a preview of expected threats to solar in 2025, and talk through some practical ways you can defend solar from these attacks. Q&A will follow the talk, and light refreshments will be served. RSVP here.
When: Tuesday, December 3, 6 to 7pm
Where: Oakland Public Library (Dimond Branch), 3565 Fruitvale Ave, Oakland 94602
The CPUC's Public Advocates Office (PAO) recently released a fact sheet with the incredible claim that rooftop solar users are making other ratepayers pay $8.5 billion more in 2024. The PAO is supposed to be the California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) internal ratepayer advocate. In reality, they are yet another government agency that is captured by the big utilities. Read more about that here. Energy economist Dr. Richard McCann has unpacked the PAO’s math, and found it riddled with errors and omissions. When those issues are corrected, the so-called “cost shift” becomes a $2.3 billion savings to all Californians in 2024.
Dave Rosenfeld, Executive Director of Solar Rights Alliance, will be in Oakland on Tuesday, December 3rd to talk about this. He will review the findings from the new report by Dr. McCann, debunking the claims made by the PAO. Dr. McCann found that the PAO used incorrect numbers and omissions to make their claim; shattering the utility lie, he shows how rooftop solar saves everyone money.
Rosenfeld will describe how Dr. McCann got there. He will also give a preview of expected threats to solar in 2025, and talk through some practical ways you can defend solar from these attacks. Q&A will follow the talk, and light refreshments will be served. RSVP here.
When: Tuesday, December 3, 6 to 7pm
Where: Oakland Public Library (Dimond Branch), 3565 Fruitvale Ave, Oakland 94602
October 4: Rally for clean water & to stop SF vs EPA, plus election activism ops
Rally for Clean Water & give public comment to stop SF vs EPA
Monday, Oct 7 at 12:30pm, City Hall steps; 1:30pm inside at the Land Use Committee hearing. From Sierra Club SF Bay Chapter: “Our champions on the Board, Melgar and Peskin, have introduced a resolution calling for an end to the City’s lawsuit against the EPA. We need your help to make sure it passes to keep pressuring the SFPUC, the City Attorney, and the Mayor. ... Join us!” Event details may change. You can find up-to-date information and a calendar event file by clicking this link.
Some info/talking points:
The Lawsuit has no merit. The Clean Water Act exists to “restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation’s waters;” and prohibits the “discharge of any pollutant by any person” unless the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program has issued a permit for the discharge.
The City's legal challenge against the EPA's authority under the Clean Water Act in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals claimed it is unfair for the EPA to include "general narrative prohibitions" in the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit because they don't give "specific numeric limits" for pollutants. EPA uses non-numeric limits very commonly all across the country, and that is why the Federal court (9th Circuit) ruled against San Francisco, saying non-numeric limits are necessary to protect water quality.
Danger to EPA protection. The Ninth Circuit’s ruling determined that the EPA acted within its legal authority by enforcing general prohibitions in the permit to ensure compliance with water quality standards. If San Francisco does not drop the suit, it will go before the Supreme Court on Oct. 16 - this Supreme Court, which has blocked critically important climate protections and overturned long-standing precedents supporting environmental regulatory authority. It already overturned fundamental Clean Water Act protections that have been in place for decades, potentially leaving over half of the wetlands in our country without federal protection.
Shame on SF! Pursuing this suit puts San Francisco in league with the National Mining Association, American Gas Association, American Petroleum Institute and American Chemistry Council, all of whom have filed briefs supporting the City, along with other representatives of the nation’s biggest polluters. Our City is being represented in the Supreme Court by private counsel from a corporate law firm that regularly represents companies seeking less-stringent regulation of their discharges into waters of the United States, and that is currently urging the Court to block EPA regulations limiting emissions and mercury and other toxic air pollutants emitted by coal-burning power plants.
Our demand. The General Manager of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, the Commission of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, and the City Attorney’s Office of the City and County of San Francisco must resolve the litigation promptly without provoking a decision from the Supreme Court.
Monday, Oct 7 at 12:30pm, City Hall steps; 1:30pm inside at the Land Use Committee hearing. From Sierra Club SF Bay Chapter: “Our champions on the Board, Melgar and Peskin, have introduced a resolution calling for an end to the City’s lawsuit against the EPA. We need your help to make sure it passes to keep pressuring the SFPUC, the City Attorney, and the Mayor. ... Join us!” Event details may change. You can find up-to-date information and a calendar event file by clicking this link.
Some info/talking points:
The Lawsuit has no merit. The Clean Water Act exists to “restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation’s waters;” and prohibits the “discharge of any pollutant by any person” unless the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program has issued a permit for the discharge.
The City's legal challenge against the EPA's authority under the Clean Water Act in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals claimed it is unfair for the EPA to include "general narrative prohibitions" in the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit because they don't give "specific numeric limits" for pollutants. EPA uses non-numeric limits very commonly all across the country, and that is why the Federal court (9th Circuit) ruled against San Francisco, saying non-numeric limits are necessary to protect water quality.
Danger to EPA protection. The Ninth Circuit’s ruling determined that the EPA acted within its legal authority by enforcing general prohibitions in the permit to ensure compliance with water quality standards. If San Francisco does not drop the suit, it will go before the Supreme Court on Oct. 16 - this Supreme Court, which has blocked critically important climate protections and overturned long-standing precedents supporting environmental regulatory authority. It already overturned fundamental Clean Water Act protections that have been in place for decades, potentially leaving over half of the wetlands in our country without federal protection.
Shame on SF! Pursuing this suit puts San Francisco in league with the National Mining Association, American Gas Association, American Petroleum Institute and American Chemistry Council, all of whom have filed briefs supporting the City, along with other representatives of the nation’s biggest polluters. Our City is being represented in the Supreme Court by private counsel from a corporate law firm that regularly represents companies seeking less-stringent regulation of their discharges into waters of the United States, and that is currently urging the Court to block EPA regulations limiting emissions and mercury and other toxic air pollutants emitted by coal-burning power plants.
Our demand. The General Manager of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, the Commission of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, and the City Attorney’s Office of the City and County of San Francisco must resolve the litigation promptly without provoking a decision from the Supreme Court.
Following up on some of our endorsements
Jackie Fielder for District 9 Supervisor mobilization Saturday Oct 5, 10am; 1pm party at El Rio. More info and rsvp here. Come celebrate Jackie's 30th the best way possible, supporting this campaign by knocking on some doors with us and talking to D9 Voters! Afterwards, join us at El Rio at 1pm to celebrate ballots dropping this week, Jackie's birthday, and YOURSELF for volunteering.
Edward Wright for BART Board, Dean Preston for District 5 Supervisor mobilization Sunday Oct 6, 10am at Jefferson Square, Turk & Laguna.
Yes on K - Ocean Beach Park - Happy Hour Friday Oct 11, 5:30pm at Ocean Plant community space, 800 Great Highway. Are you Prop K curious? Come to the westside for a free happy hour (beers, water, & light snacks on the house) and science fair! Learn, discuss and explore a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to restore our coastline and realize climate benefits of creating an Ocean Beach Park. More info and registration for the event here.
Yes on L - Fund the bus - has numerous upcoming volunteer events. Find the list here.
Jackie Fielder for District 9 Supervisor mobilization Saturday Oct 5, 10am; 1pm party at El Rio. More info and rsvp here. Come celebrate Jackie's 30th the best way possible, supporting this campaign by knocking on some doors with us and talking to D9 Voters! Afterwards, join us at El Rio at 1pm to celebrate ballots dropping this week, Jackie's birthday, and YOURSELF for volunteering.
Edward Wright for BART Board, Dean Preston for District 5 Supervisor mobilization Sunday Oct 6, 10am at Jefferson Square, Turk & Laguna.
Yes on K - Ocean Beach Park - Happy Hour Friday Oct 11, 5:30pm at Ocean Plant community space, 800 Great Highway. Are you Prop K curious? Come to the westside for a free happy hour (beers, water, & light snacks on the house) and science fair! Learn, discuss and explore a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to restore our coastline and realize climate benefits of creating an Ocean Beach Park. More info and registration for the event here.
Yes on L - Fund the bus - has numerous upcoming volunteer events. Find the list here.
September 23: SF vs EPA?? Help stop it NOW. Plus endorsements & more.
Happy Fall - the warmest season in San Francisco. Let’s hope we continue to escape wildfire smoke. But people in other places are not as lucky as we are. That’s why we can’t stop pushing our leaders - and electing the best ones (see below) - to make this city an example of how everyone can fight for a cleaner, healthier world.
Here’s how San Francisco is definitely NOT leading that fight; in fact in this case our City, outrageously and shamefully, is doing the opposite.
The City must stop its dangerous lawsuit against the EPA!
The SFPUC General Manager and the City Attorney are preparing a lawsuit against the EPA that will appear before the Supreme Court and could seriously limit the EPA’s ability to regulate water quality all across the country.
The EPA has sought to prevent San Francisco from releasing raw sewage into the ocean, but instead of changing its ways, San Francisco is asking the Supreme Court to dismantle parts of the Clean Water Act to take away the EPA's power to require the City to keep its coastline safe and clean. And instead of leading with environmental and EJ organizations, our fair city is siding with the National Mining Association, American Gas Association, and the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers – trade associations of polluting industries.
Here’s how San Francisco is definitely NOT leading that fight; in fact in this case our City, outrageously and shamefully, is doing the opposite.
The City must stop its dangerous lawsuit against the EPA!
The SFPUC General Manager and the City Attorney are preparing a lawsuit against the EPA that will appear before the Supreme Court and could seriously limit the EPA’s ability to regulate water quality all across the country.
The EPA has sought to prevent San Francisco from releasing raw sewage into the ocean, but instead of changing its ways, San Francisco is asking the Supreme Court to dismantle parts of the Clean Water Act to take away the EPA's power to require the City to keep its coastline safe and clean. And instead of leading with environmental and EJ organizations, our fair city is siding with the National Mining Association, American Gas Association, and the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers – trade associations of polluting industries.
Please join the Sierra Club SF Bay Chapter’s actions:
- Send a letter NOW to the Board of Supervisors (it’s easy) to ask them to protect the Clean Water Act and work with the EPA to end the dumping of raw sewage into the San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean where our communities live and play.
- Come to the SF Board of Supervisors meeting TOMORROW, Tuesday, September 24th at 2:15pm in City Hall room 250, to urge the Board to hold the City Attorney and SFPUC accountable by demanding that they retract this dangerous lawsuit. Sign up to attend the event here. Here is the agenda - which indicates that the Supes will meet in closed session with the City Attorney at 2:30pm to discuss the issue. Public comment is later in the meeting.
- Sign the petition
Our endorsements for the November 5th election
Yes on Prop K: Permanently close Upper Great Highway to establish a public open recreation space.Make the closure permanent now - as a crucial first step in enabling the future creation of an incredible, car-free oceanside park. Let’s continue to inspire people of all ages and abilities to leave their cars, take transit to a beautiful place and get moving.
Yes on Prop L: Tax the ride-hails to fund the bus. Fixing the climate depends on people using more public transit. Everything we do to make that more likely will help. Prop L will increase operations funding for Muni; revenue from a new business tax on ride-hail companies will be used to prevent Muni service cuts and improve Muni access to public Schools, libraries, and parks. It can also be used to fund discount programs for youth, seniors, people with disabilities, and people with low incomes.
Yes on Prop K: Permanently close Upper Great Highway to establish a public open recreation space.Make the closure permanent now - as a crucial first step in enabling the future creation of an incredible, car-free oceanside park. Let’s continue to inspire people of all ages and abilities to leave their cars, take transit to a beautiful place and get moving.
Yes on Prop L: Tax the ride-hails to fund the bus. Fixing the climate depends on people using more public transit. Everything we do to make that more likely will help. Prop L will increase operations funding for Muni; revenue from a new business tax on ride-hail companies will be used to prevent Muni service cuts and improve Muni access to public Schools, libraries, and parks. It can also be used to fund discount programs for youth, seniors, people with disabilities, and people with low incomes.
Candidates
SFCEC’s endorsement of a candidate does not necessarily mean we dub them a “climate champion.” We simply consider them to be the best choice on climate, based on their responses to our questionnaire plus other research. Some candidates do have more awareness and knowledge about climate than is obvious. The best ones understand that climate is a problem we absolutely need to address locally, even as people are clamoring for short-term fixes of “other” problems. Climate affects all of us, everywhere.
Supervisor, District 1: reelect Connie Chan
Chair of Budget Committee, supported funding to create a Climate Equity Hub and strengthen the Environment Department. Chair of LAFCo (oversees implementing CleanPowerSF), helped connect the SFPUC and LAFCo to study green bank financing, natural gas decommissioning, battery storage, electric vehicle charging, and emerging clean energy technologies. Helped plan a non-depository Municipal Finance Corporation and a Public Bank.
Supervisor, District 3: Sharon Lai
Former SFMTA commissioner, supported electrification efforts and transition to sustainable habits. Recently led a nonprofit to accelerate, provide support and bring climate hardware technologies to catalyze the city’s transformation through sustainable innovation and community expertise, benefitting both San Franciscans and the planet. Urban planning professional, homeless housing nonprofit leader. Endorsed by 8 of the current 11 Supervisors.
Supervisor, District 5: reelect Dean PrestonChampioned a green transportation network. Worked on creating a public bank to invest in green infrastructure, affordable housing and small businesses. Longtime supporter of public power and Clean Power SF as a LAFCO Commissioner. Worked to reduce emissions by ensuring that people can live near where they work through affordable housing advocacy and 24-year record of fighting displacement, Tree-planting advocacy in the district.
Supervisor, District 7: reelect Myrna Melgar - endorsed earlier
Supervisor, District 9: Jackie Fielder
A longtime climate activist fighting pipelines and working to stop the flow of money to fossil fuel projects, for the last 7 years fought for economic equality and housing affordability through the Public Bank Coalition. Vice Chair of LAFCo, secured money from the PUC for studies on a green bank, battery storage, gas decommissioning, and more. Partnered with Supervisors Preston and Chan on passing the public bank legislation, Clean Power SF oversight, and meeting our Climate Action Plan.
Trustee, SF City College Board: reelect Alan Wong
As City College Board president, authored and passed resolution creating a Green New Deal and climate action plan for City College: zero GHG emissions including vehicle fleet, green building standards, gas appliances and systems to electric, water conservation, consumption reduction, sustainable procurement standards, ethical and sustainable food service. Incrementally phased in through a 10-year process with benchmarks and annual reports, the plan gives City College a fiscally responsible way to upgrade through regular replacement, attrition, and multi-year building and procurement planning.
BART Board Director, District 9: Edward Wright - endorsed earlier
SFCEC’s endorsement of a candidate does not necessarily mean we dub them a “climate champion.” We simply consider them to be the best choice on climate, based on their responses to our questionnaire plus other research. Some candidates do have more awareness and knowledge about climate than is obvious. The best ones understand that climate is a problem we absolutely need to address locally, even as people are clamoring for short-term fixes of “other” problems. Climate affects all of us, everywhere.
Supervisor, District 1: reelect Connie Chan
Chair of Budget Committee, supported funding to create a Climate Equity Hub and strengthen the Environment Department. Chair of LAFCo (oversees implementing CleanPowerSF), helped connect the SFPUC and LAFCo to study green bank financing, natural gas decommissioning, battery storage, electric vehicle charging, and emerging clean energy technologies. Helped plan a non-depository Municipal Finance Corporation and a Public Bank.
Supervisor, District 3: Sharon Lai
Former SFMTA commissioner, supported electrification efforts and transition to sustainable habits. Recently led a nonprofit to accelerate, provide support and bring climate hardware technologies to catalyze the city’s transformation through sustainable innovation and community expertise, benefitting both San Franciscans and the planet. Urban planning professional, homeless housing nonprofit leader. Endorsed by 8 of the current 11 Supervisors.
Supervisor, District 5: reelect Dean PrestonChampioned a green transportation network. Worked on creating a public bank to invest in green infrastructure, affordable housing and small businesses. Longtime supporter of public power and Clean Power SF as a LAFCO Commissioner. Worked to reduce emissions by ensuring that people can live near where they work through affordable housing advocacy and 24-year record of fighting displacement, Tree-planting advocacy in the district.
Supervisor, District 7: reelect Myrna Melgar - endorsed earlier
Supervisor, District 9: Jackie Fielder
A longtime climate activist fighting pipelines and working to stop the flow of money to fossil fuel projects, for the last 7 years fought for economic equality and housing affordability through the Public Bank Coalition. Vice Chair of LAFCo, secured money from the PUC for studies on a green bank, battery storage, gas decommissioning, and more. Partnered with Supervisors Preston and Chan on passing the public bank legislation, Clean Power SF oversight, and meeting our Climate Action Plan.
Trustee, SF City College Board: reelect Alan Wong
As City College Board president, authored and passed resolution creating a Green New Deal and climate action plan for City College: zero GHG emissions including vehicle fleet, green building standards, gas appliances and systems to electric, water conservation, consumption reduction, sustainable procurement standards, ethical and sustainable food service. Incrementally phased in through a 10-year process with benchmarks and annual reports, the plan gives City College a fiscally responsible way to upgrade through regular replacement, attrition, and multi-year building and procurement planning.
BART Board Director, District 9: Edward Wright - endorsed earlier
SF Electrification Weekend: Life's Better Electric
- Electrification Resource Fair, Sat Sep 28, 10am - 2pm, Women’s Building, 3543 18th St in the Mission. Sign up here
- Electric home tours, Sun Sept 29, 1pm - 4pm, various neighborhoods in SF. At this FREE event, you can see electric home features and appliances up close, learn about the process of electrification, and get practical tips on making the switch in your own home. Sign up to receive the location of participating homes. Sign up to attend or volunteer
July 20: SF Climate Emergency Coalition endorses candidates!
In the upcoming November election, for the first time SFCEC will endorse some candidates and ballot measures. We need strong political leadership to enact real climate crisis solutions at every level, including locally. Getting out the vote for actual climate champions and truly pro-climate policies is just too important not to take a stand.
We support candidates with a proven record of fighting for effective climate action, policies, and legislation. We feel strongly that such leadership necessarily involves outreach and engagement with the San Francisco community and the ability to develop equitable solutions collaboratively. We invite you to learn more and join us in supporting our endorsed candidates. There will be more - stay tuned.
Edward Wright for BART Board, District 9SFCEC worked with Edward on several climate actions while he was Supervisor Gordon Mar’s legislative aide. He brought a diverse group to the table, ensuring that all voices were welcome. A constructive and valued participant, always open to ideas, he especially helped to refine proposals.
We also worked together to push for more aggressive climate goals, winning historic and unprecedented funding for the City’s Climate Action Plan and for a study on the financing required to implement that plan, as well as to create the City’s recently-launched Climate Equity Hub. We have consistently been impressed by Edward’s energy, dedication, positive approach and plain old smarts.
BART is a big part of our Climate Action Plan. Private cars are a massive source of greenhouse gas emissions; our path to a fossil-fuel-free future relies on public transit. BART needs Edward! To meet Edward Wright and learn more, please join us at an event focused on transit’s role in confronting the climate crisis this Thursday, July 25th, 6pm at Wave Collective, 663 Haight St, hosted by us - SF Climate Emergency Coalition - along with Antonio Diaz, Erik Mebust, and Lange Luntano. RSVP here.
Reelect Myrna Melgar SF Supervisor, District 7
Supervisor Melgar was one of the SFCEC’s 2022 Climate Champions - especially for her Ban on Gas-Powered Landscaping Equipment ordinance. To pass this ordinance with its many benefits, from noise reduction to air-quality improvements to reduction in climate-warming emissions, Supervisor Melgar deliberately reached out to the community, ensuring that landscaping businesses would not bear undue costs.
Myrna is a strong and effective advocate for affordable housing and public transportation, both important climate solutions, and she understands the need to electrify our city. She held several hearings to push for progress on the electrification of the City fleet, and as an active Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) Board member, helped pass the first-in-the-nation regulations to decarbonize homes by phasing in heat-pump space and water heaters. Supervisor Melgar has been a steady supporter of adequate funding and administrative authority for SF Environment Department - essential for effective local climate action.
To meet Myrna Melgar and learn more, please come to an event on Saturday July 27 at 10 am, Robin Williams Meadow, 320 Bowling Green Drive in Golden Gate Park. Rsvp here.
Most local ballot measures are still “pending” - not officially on the ballot until August. One we’’ll definitely be looking at is the ComMUNIty Transit Act. Again, stay tuned!
Yours for a clean, healthful, healthy & fair democracy,
SF Climate Emergency Coalition
May 15: Action (do one thing TONIGHT) & updates
We hope your windy May is going well. Here are some action opportunities and updates for you.
Action opportunities
Matt Haney needs to hear from you! Twice.
But if you do just one thing tonight - and you live on the east side of San Francisco - contact your State Assemblymember Haney to keep a partial antidote to the Utility Tax alive. I know this is insanely late, sorry!
1. Stop the Big Utility Tax and pass AB 1999 by voting TOMORROW
Things are moving fast! TOMORROW, Assemblymember Haney is scheduled to vote on AB 1999, the bill to at least contain the big Utility Tax. If the bill does not pass, the CPUC's $24/month Utility Tax will remain uncapped, and likely grow to $70/month or more over the next few years. Analysts say this will increase utility bills on people who live in apartments, condos, and smaller homes that don’t use a lot of energy, and also discourage energy conservation, efficiency, and rooftop solar.
Call (916) 319-2017 or email Haney from his website (fill in your info and select “Comment on Bill or Legislation” as the issue). Suggested message:
Please support AB 1999 as amended. AB 1999 would Stop the Big Utility Tax.
The Utility Tax passed last week by the CPUC will increase bills on four million households. The people most harmed will be renters, seniors, and people who have solar panels. The Utility Tax is completely uncapped and the utilities want it to increase to $70 or more. Please put a cap on this Utility Tax before it gets even more out-of-control. Thank you.
AB 1999 sunsets the entire tax in 2028. We would rather repeal the whole thing, but this is the choice we have. Please call or email now!
2. Make housing bill AB 3068 even better
AB 3068, authored by Haney, will support conversions of vacant office space into housing - and unlike other bills, this one would actually create some positive results. See Chronicle article by Joe Garofoli from May 6, YIMBYs and preservationists actually agree on a California bill to create more housing.
However, AB 3068 currently says nothing about natural gas. It is essential to meeting climate goals that we take every opportunity to eliminate gas infrastructure. Please call (916) 319-2017 or email Haney from his website (fill in your info and select “Comment on Bill or Legislation” as the issue).
Simply ask him to add a clause to AB 3068 saying incentives don't apply if a developer tries to run natural gas into new housing units created. That’s it.
President Biden: Declare a Climate Emergency already!
While President Biden and Congress have taken steps to address the climate crisis, we now need something unprecedented: President Biden must declare a climate emergency under the National Emergencies Act, unlocking federal powers to stifle oil development by
Please sign the petition, sponsored by Sunrise Movement - which, along with hundreds of others, including SFCEC, signed an organizational letter to the President & advisors with the same request. Mr. President, It’s (past) time.
In-person Climate Café Tuesday, May 21, 5:15 - 6:45pm.Climate Cafés are safe gatherings bringing together people experiencing the wide range of feelings, thoughts and emotions associated with awareness of the climate and environmental destruction. Dr. Robin Cooper and Ceci Walken, LMFT, will be leading this in-person sharing space (this is not therapy but a group supportive experience). “We in the mental health field know that these ‘big feelings’ can be better managed and that long term active engagement can be facilitated by sharing these with others,”
Meet at the Pritzer building near UCSF Mission Bay campus (address will be given when you RSVP by emailing [email protected] ).
Updates
Sometimes we win!
💚 Thanks again to the 35 organizations signing our letter urging the mayor to maintain threatened budgeting for staff positions at SF Environment. Thanks also to the nearly 90 of you who sent individual letters! The mayor’s office responded that the funding will be ongoing. So, those employees can continue to bring in and manage grant money critical to enacting the City’s Climate Action plan.
💚 We sent another letter to the mayor, joining 1000 Grandmothers for Future Generations, asking her to approve $500K in General Fund Reserves (a sort of rainy-day emergency fund) for to the SF Public Utilities Commission for independent analysis and research on sea level rise and groundwater impacts in the Hunters Point Shipyard in Fiscal Year 2023-24. Current science concludes that climate change, resulting in rising sea levels, affects groundwater and may cause the invasion of toxic substances in sewers and ground surfaces near shorelines.
Supervisor Walton sponsored this Civil Grand Jury recommendation. The Budget and Appropriations Committee gave unanimous approval, as did the Board of Supervisors. The mayor, who had initially rejected the Civil Grand Jury's recommendations for the Shipyard, came around this time.
Climate Week happened, and we were there.
Amid many corporate- and tech-focused events, the activities that SF CEC participated in involved mostly connecting with grassroots activists and seekers.
We marched at People’s Earth Day in support of All Things Bayview. The next day we tabled at EarthDaySF, explaining the Climate Action Plan and what we do to try to make sure it’s carried out.
Our members helped at the Environment Department’s Climate Equity Hub launch, explaining health benefits of, and incentives available for, electrifying your home. The Hub begins in the Bayview - portable induction cooktops were given away at the launch! - with the goal of expanding to locations citywide, in-person and on its upcoming website.
We also collaborated with Citizens’ Climate Lobby SF chapter for a Climate Advocacy Happy Hour.
Another Climate Advocacy Happy HourThursday May 23, 6pm - 7:30pm, at Southern Pacific Brewing, 629 Treat Ave, CCL-SF and SF Transit Riders will cosponsor with us. We will each present current climate-friendly policies we support, and participants will have the opportunity to take action.
🌱And, as always, if you would like to attend our monthly last-Wednesday steering committee zoom, just reply to this email. Thanks!
Yours in optimism & action,
SF Climate Emergency Coalition
Action opportunities
Matt Haney needs to hear from you! Twice.
But if you do just one thing tonight - and you live on the east side of San Francisco - contact your State Assemblymember Haney to keep a partial antidote to the Utility Tax alive. I know this is insanely late, sorry!
1. Stop the Big Utility Tax and pass AB 1999 by voting TOMORROW
Things are moving fast! TOMORROW, Assemblymember Haney is scheduled to vote on AB 1999, the bill to at least contain the big Utility Tax. If the bill does not pass, the CPUC's $24/month Utility Tax will remain uncapped, and likely grow to $70/month or more over the next few years. Analysts say this will increase utility bills on people who live in apartments, condos, and smaller homes that don’t use a lot of energy, and also discourage energy conservation, efficiency, and rooftop solar.
Call (916) 319-2017 or email Haney from his website (fill in your info and select “Comment on Bill or Legislation” as the issue). Suggested message:
Please support AB 1999 as amended. AB 1999 would Stop the Big Utility Tax.
The Utility Tax passed last week by the CPUC will increase bills on four million households. The people most harmed will be renters, seniors, and people who have solar panels. The Utility Tax is completely uncapped and the utilities want it to increase to $70 or more. Please put a cap on this Utility Tax before it gets even more out-of-control. Thank you.
AB 1999 sunsets the entire tax in 2028. We would rather repeal the whole thing, but this is the choice we have. Please call or email now!
2. Make housing bill AB 3068 even better
AB 3068, authored by Haney, will support conversions of vacant office space into housing - and unlike other bills, this one would actually create some positive results. See Chronicle article by Joe Garofoli from May 6, YIMBYs and preservationists actually agree on a California bill to create more housing.
However, AB 3068 currently says nothing about natural gas. It is essential to meeting climate goals that we take every opportunity to eliminate gas infrastructure. Please call (916) 319-2017 or email Haney from his website (fill in your info and select “Comment on Bill or Legislation” as the issue).
Simply ask him to add a clause to AB 3068 saying incentives don't apply if a developer tries to run natural gas into new housing units created. That’s it.
President Biden: Declare a Climate Emergency already!
While President Biden and Congress have taken steps to address the climate crisis, we now need something unprecedented: President Biden must declare a climate emergency under the National Emergencies Act, unlocking federal powers to stifle oil development by
- Reinstating the crude oil export ban.
- Ending new fossil fuel projects and drilling.
- Investing disaster relief funds in renewable energy for frontline communities.
- Pushing companies to accelerate clean energy solutions.
Please sign the petition, sponsored by Sunrise Movement - which, along with hundreds of others, including SFCEC, signed an organizational letter to the President & advisors with the same request. Mr. President, It’s (past) time.
In-person Climate Café Tuesday, May 21, 5:15 - 6:45pm.Climate Cafés are safe gatherings bringing together people experiencing the wide range of feelings, thoughts and emotions associated with awareness of the climate and environmental destruction. Dr. Robin Cooper and Ceci Walken, LMFT, will be leading this in-person sharing space (this is not therapy but a group supportive experience). “We in the mental health field know that these ‘big feelings’ can be better managed and that long term active engagement can be facilitated by sharing these with others,”
Meet at the Pritzer building near UCSF Mission Bay campus (address will be given when you RSVP by emailing [email protected] ).
Updates
Sometimes we win!
💚 Thanks again to the 35 organizations signing our letter urging the mayor to maintain threatened budgeting for staff positions at SF Environment. Thanks also to the nearly 90 of you who sent individual letters! The mayor’s office responded that the funding will be ongoing. So, those employees can continue to bring in and manage grant money critical to enacting the City’s Climate Action plan.
💚 We sent another letter to the mayor, joining 1000 Grandmothers for Future Generations, asking her to approve $500K in General Fund Reserves (a sort of rainy-day emergency fund) for to the SF Public Utilities Commission for independent analysis and research on sea level rise and groundwater impacts in the Hunters Point Shipyard in Fiscal Year 2023-24. Current science concludes that climate change, resulting in rising sea levels, affects groundwater and may cause the invasion of toxic substances in sewers and ground surfaces near shorelines.
Supervisor Walton sponsored this Civil Grand Jury recommendation. The Budget and Appropriations Committee gave unanimous approval, as did the Board of Supervisors. The mayor, who had initially rejected the Civil Grand Jury's recommendations for the Shipyard, came around this time.
Climate Week happened, and we were there.
Amid many corporate- and tech-focused events, the activities that SF CEC participated in involved mostly connecting with grassroots activists and seekers.
We marched at People’s Earth Day in support of All Things Bayview. The next day we tabled at EarthDaySF, explaining the Climate Action Plan and what we do to try to make sure it’s carried out.
Our members helped at the Environment Department’s Climate Equity Hub launch, explaining health benefits of, and incentives available for, electrifying your home. The Hub begins in the Bayview - portable induction cooktops were given away at the launch! - with the goal of expanding to locations citywide, in-person and on its upcoming website.
We also collaborated with Citizens’ Climate Lobby SF chapter for a Climate Advocacy Happy Hour.
Another Climate Advocacy Happy HourThursday May 23, 6pm - 7:30pm, at Southern Pacific Brewing, 629 Treat Ave, CCL-SF and SF Transit Riders will cosponsor with us. We will each present current climate-friendly policies we support, and participants will have the opportunity to take action.
🌱And, as always, if you would like to attend our monthly last-Wednesday steering committee zoom, just reply to this email. Thanks!
Yours in optimism & action,
SF Climate Emergency Coalition
April 12: The Mayor's promise, and other climate action for April
April is full of opportunities to connect with each other and the planet we all call home.
🌱 Earth Month: Tell the Mayor to keep crucial SF Environment staff working!
Earth Month happens to be the month that the Mayor is finalizing her budget proposal. Well, we have a proposal for her. SFCEC, with 34 other organizations, has sent her a letter urging her to keep the promise she implied last year: continuing funding for seven permanent staffers crucial to implementing the city’s Climate Action Plan. Now that money appears no longer to be guaranteed.
The Mayor needs to hear from a lot of us - individuals as well as groups - that we care about addressing the climate emergency, as well as all the other crises the city faces. Including the budget deficit. The employees in question have been bringing in state and federal grant money far exceeding the cost of their salaries and must be given a chance to continue to do so.. Cutting them to save money now will cost so much more in the future as the planet warms and those least able to cope are most severely affected. Info and easy letter-writing tool here.
The Mayor needs to hear from a lot of us - individuals as well as groups - that we care about addressing the climate emergency, as well as all the other crises the city faces. Including the budget deficit. The employees in question have been bringing in state and federal grant money far exceeding the cost of their salaries and must be given a chance to continue to do so.. Cutting them to save money now will cost so much more in the future as the planet warms and those least able to cope are most severely affected. Info and easy letter-writing tool here.
🌎 Sat April 20, 12pm-3pm: Bayview Hunters Point Community People’s Earth Day
Join the All Things Bayview Team for a Peace Walk and Environmental Justice Rally, especially aimed at inspiring young activists to fight for their future. Begin at Bayview Plaza, 3801 Third St, and end outside Hunters Point Shipyard Artists studios at 451 Galvez. Join the campaign for a clean, equitable and livable Bayview!
🌱 Earth Day SF, Sunday April 21, 11am-7pm
Come table with us! The biggest event of Climate Week is at The New Farm 10 Cargo Way, right by Heron’s Head Park: a festival of speakers, workshops, music, food, making art, and inspiring hope for our children’s future (more info here). At our table, people can hand-write postcards to the Mayor, which we will deliver, or use the easy letter-writing tool mentioned above. We will be increasing our outreach by telling folks what we’ve been up to, and signing them up to receive future action alerts. If you would like to hang out with us and maybe help out for an hour or two anytime between 11 and 7, please reply to this email. Thanks!
🌎 Thurs April 23, 6pm: Climate Advocacy Happy Hour
Southern Pacific Brewing, 620 Treat Ave. Like I always say, no matter how potentially deadly the issue, advocacy can be fun. Join SFCEC, Citizens’ Climate Lobby SF and others tbd to hear about opportunities to take immediate action that very night, while making new friends. Register & get more info here. (Oops, the event just got full, but you can join the waitlist. Please do!)
🌎 Sat April 27, 10am-2pm: Climate Equity Hub Launch!
As part of a celebration of the EcoCenter atHeron’s Head Park, 32 Jennings St, the eagerly-anticipated Climate Equity Hub begins life in the Bayview, with plans to expand to other locations across the City. The Ecocenter will showcase heat pump equipment and portable induction stoves to demonstrate the benefits of emissions-free homes.
A local chef will host an induction-cooking demo with free samples; Physicians for Social Responsibility will provide information about the health impacts of gas equipment; QuitCarbon will help residents develop a plan to electrify their homes. Audience members who visit every info station will be eligible for a free portable induction cooktop, and income-qualified residents will also have the chance to sign up for a free heat pump water heater. The event also includes outdoor activities organized by SF Rec & Park.
One more thing, also during Climate Week but not an official part of it:
A local chef will host an induction-cooking demo with free samples; Physicians for Social Responsibility will provide information about the health impacts of gas equipment; QuitCarbon will help residents develop a plan to electrify their homes. Audience members who visit every info station will be eligible for a free portable induction cooktop, and income-qualified residents will also have the chance to sign up for a free heat pump water heater. The event also includes outdoor activities organized by SF Rec & Park.
One more thing, also during Climate Week but not an official part of it:
Thurs April 25,10am: Public Power in SF webinar
San Francisco's effort to purchase the local electricity grid from PG&E is to provide residents with more affordable electric rates, cleaner energy, and greater investment in the local community. Sign up to learn more about why San Francisco is pursuing public power, where we are in the process, and how you can get involved in this campaign. Register here for the SFPUC-sponsored Zoom webinar.
Yours for an inspiring rest of the month,
SF Climate Emergency Coalition
P.s. - SFCEC steering committee meets the last Wednesday of every month on Zoom to update and plot. If you'd like to join us to find out more about what we do, just reply to this email. Next meeting is Wed Apr 24 at 7pm.
Yours for an inspiring rest of the month,
SF Climate Emergency Coalition
P.s. - SFCEC steering committee meets the last Wednesday of every month on Zoom to update and plot. If you'd like to join us to find out more about what we do, just reply to this email. Next meeting is Wed Apr 24 at 7pm.
March 15: Curbside charging, shipyard cleanup, solar energy
Here are a few actions you can take if the spirit moves you.
Rally to support a public EV curbside-charging pilot program
Tuesday, March 19, 9:30-10am, City Hall front steps.
Rally and press conference as Supervisor Mandelman introduces a resolution in support of a new, public electric-vehicle curbside-charging pilot program, a joint project of the SF Environment Department and the SF Municipal Transportation Agency.
San Francisco’s public EV charging infrastructure isn’t keeping pace with the growing demand for access, e.g., from people who might consider an EV but have no garage.
Speakers:
Rafael Mandelman, Supervisor, City & County of San Francisco
Tyrone Jue, Director, SF Environment Department
Jeff Tumlin, Director, SFMTA
Sarah Ching-Ting Wan, President, SF Commission on the Environment
Marc Geller, Co-Founder, Golden Gate Electric Vehicle Association
Additional speakers TBD
Come show your support! Our City departments need to know we want expanded access to EV charging in every neighborhood. You can also make a public comment at the Board of Supervisors meeting later that day. The agenda will be available here.
Demand a FULL cleanup (finally!) of the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard Superfund Site
The Navy's draft Five Year Statutory Review, required by Federal Superfund Law, is supposed to evaluate whether the planned remedies for the toxic and radioactive contamination at the site will be protective of human health and the environment now and into the future. Historically, these reviews have not been adequate in their conclusions, continuing to claim that capping contamination at this shoreline site will be protective when it is well-known that sea level rise and groundwater rise will result in flooding of contaminants (see SF Civil Grand Jury report from 2022). Greenaction and community residents have succeeded in getting the Navy to finally address this issue. Read the recent SF Chronicle article here.
We must still continue to demand a complete cleanup that does not include capping toxic and radioactive waste. Tell theUS EPA, CalEPA, and DTSC (Department of Toxic Substances Control) to require the Navy to rework its current remediation methods to exclude the practice of merely capping the contaminants. Please write to express your support: Click here for the relevant recipients, email addresses and message template.
The Bayview Hunters Point community deserves to be free from environmental racism, including exposure to toxic and radioactive contamination.
We must still continue to demand a complete cleanup that does not include capping toxic and radioactive waste. Tell theUS EPA, CalEPA, and DTSC (Department of Toxic Substances Control) to require the Navy to rework its current remediation methods to exclude the practice of merely capping the contaminants. Please write to express your support: Click here for the relevant recipients, email addresses and message template.
The Bayview Hunters Point community deserves to be free from environmental racism, including exposure to toxic and radioactive contamination.
Stop the CPUC from blocking California’s clean energy progress
The infamous California Public Utilities Commission continues its assault on the formerly burgeoning solar industry, doing the bidding of the private utilities it’s supposed to regulate. Two recent examples and what you can do:
• Email the CPUC to protect Community Solar & Storage. The CPUC’s recent proposed decision rejects the Net Value Billing Tariff (NVBT) community solar and storage proposal championed by a broad coalition of environmental justice, labor, developers, and affordability advocates. The NVBT would enable customers to benefit from thousands of low-cost clean and reliable projects, including storage to help boost grid reliability, and importantly, to provide a clean energy option to the millions of Californians who rent or otherwise aren’t able to install a solar system directly.
As a member of the public, you can contact the CPUC directly and insist that this proposed decision be amended to unlock equitable community solar and storage access for all Californians, safely retire polluting gas plants in overburdened communities, and put the State in a better position for securing time-sensitive federal funding. This is what to do, after you click here for the direct contact page:
• Call legislators to stop the Big Utility (and yet another solar) Tax. SFCEC has signed on to a letter to the state Legislature and the Governor in strong opposition to the “Utility Tax” provision deviously embedded into last-minute Budget Trailer Bill AB 205, and in support of a new bill (AB 1999, below). Such budget trailers are rushed through the Legislature and quickly signed by the Governor; by the time lawmakers find out what’s really in them, it’s too late. That’s how AB 205 passed - mandating electricity charges based on income as well as electricity use. All three San Francisco state legislators joined the majority to pass that bill in 2022. AB 205 removed the existing $10 per month cap on Utility Taxes (the national average) and mandated that a Utility Tax be imposed on all ratepayers, including customers of CCAs. This tax is currently uncapped, so it can go up indefinitely.
The investor-owned utilities have proposed the highest fixed Utility Tax in the country, $30-$70 per month just for being hooked up to the grid. Even $30 per month will increase utility bills for millions of working people and retirees who live in apartments or small homes that use less electricity - and will undermine all forms of conservation. Incredibly, the proposal also includes taxing rooftop-solar users for energy produced and used onsite in real time which has never touched the grid. The CPUC is now deciding what the Utility Tax should be, making a final decision around June 2024.
Electricity prices are too high mainly due to the increasing costs of unnecessary long distance power lines, liability when those lines create wildfire risks, and generous utility profits that drive this spending. The true solution to stabilizing the high cost of electricity is to reduce our over-dependence on long-distance power lines through greater conservation and locally-produced clean energy. Some legislators have realized their mistake in voting for AB 205 and are vowing to fix it with AB 1999. The team of co-authors includes San Francisco’s Senator Scott Wiener And Assemblymember Phil Ting, but not Assemblymember Matt Haney. AB 1999 would re-cap the Utility Tax in line with the national average, averting disaster.
⌲ Thank Senator Wiener (call 916-651-4011) and Assemblymember Ting (call 916-319-2019) for co-authoring AB 1999.
My name is ____. I live in _____. I am calling to thank [Senator Wiener or Assemblymember Ting] for co-authoring AB 1999 and to urge him to continue to do everything in his power to block the proposed Utility and Solar Tax from the state budget. His leadership is essential. Can I count on him? Thank you.
⌲ Ask Assemblymember Haney (call 916-319-2017) to co-author AB 1999.
My name is ___. I live in District 17. I’m calling to ask Assemblymember Haney to co-author AB 1999, the bill to Stop the Big Utility Tax. Even a Utility Tax of $30 a month will increase utility bills for millions of working people who live in apartments or small homes that use less electricity. It will also discourage solar, as well as energy conservation. The legislature needs to fix its mistake by June 30th to protect millions of people from bill increases. Will Matt Haney co-author AB 1999? Thank you.
Thank YOU!SF Climate Emergency Coalition
• Email the CPUC to protect Community Solar & Storage. The CPUC’s recent proposed decision rejects the Net Value Billing Tariff (NVBT) community solar and storage proposal championed by a broad coalition of environmental justice, labor, developers, and affordability advocates. The NVBT would enable customers to benefit from thousands of low-cost clean and reliable projects, including storage to help boost grid reliability, and importantly, to provide a clean energy option to the millions of Californians who rent or otherwise aren’t able to install a solar system directly.
As a member of the public, you can contact the CPUC directly and insist that this proposed decision be amended to unlock equitable community solar and storage access for all Californians, safely retire polluting gas plants in overburdened communities, and put the State in a better position for securing time-sensitive federal funding. This is what to do, after you click here for the direct contact page:
- Enter R2008020 in the "Proceeding Number Search" field. then hit "Search."
- On the next page, click on R2008020.
- On the following page, click on "Add Public Comment" in the upper left.
- Enter your comment (sample text here), plus your name etc, then click "Submit."
• Call legislators to stop the Big Utility (and yet another solar) Tax. SFCEC has signed on to a letter to the state Legislature and the Governor in strong opposition to the “Utility Tax” provision deviously embedded into last-minute Budget Trailer Bill AB 205, and in support of a new bill (AB 1999, below). Such budget trailers are rushed through the Legislature and quickly signed by the Governor; by the time lawmakers find out what’s really in them, it’s too late. That’s how AB 205 passed - mandating electricity charges based on income as well as electricity use. All three San Francisco state legislators joined the majority to pass that bill in 2022. AB 205 removed the existing $10 per month cap on Utility Taxes (the national average) and mandated that a Utility Tax be imposed on all ratepayers, including customers of CCAs. This tax is currently uncapped, so it can go up indefinitely.
The investor-owned utilities have proposed the highest fixed Utility Tax in the country, $30-$70 per month just for being hooked up to the grid. Even $30 per month will increase utility bills for millions of working people and retirees who live in apartments or small homes that use less electricity - and will undermine all forms of conservation. Incredibly, the proposal also includes taxing rooftop-solar users for energy produced and used onsite in real time which has never touched the grid. The CPUC is now deciding what the Utility Tax should be, making a final decision around June 2024.
Electricity prices are too high mainly due to the increasing costs of unnecessary long distance power lines, liability when those lines create wildfire risks, and generous utility profits that drive this spending. The true solution to stabilizing the high cost of electricity is to reduce our over-dependence on long-distance power lines through greater conservation and locally-produced clean energy. Some legislators have realized their mistake in voting for AB 205 and are vowing to fix it with AB 1999. The team of co-authors includes San Francisco’s Senator Scott Wiener And Assemblymember Phil Ting, but not Assemblymember Matt Haney. AB 1999 would re-cap the Utility Tax in line with the national average, averting disaster.
⌲ Thank Senator Wiener (call 916-651-4011) and Assemblymember Ting (call 916-319-2019) for co-authoring AB 1999.
My name is ____. I live in _____. I am calling to thank [Senator Wiener or Assemblymember Ting] for co-authoring AB 1999 and to urge him to continue to do everything in his power to block the proposed Utility and Solar Tax from the state budget. His leadership is essential. Can I count on him? Thank you.
⌲ Ask Assemblymember Haney (call 916-319-2017) to co-author AB 1999.
My name is ___. I live in District 17. I’m calling to ask Assemblymember Haney to co-author AB 1999, the bill to Stop the Big Utility Tax. Even a Utility Tax of $30 a month will increase utility bills for millions of working people who live in apartments or small homes that use less electricity. It will also discourage solar, as well as energy conservation. The legislature needs to fix its mistake by June 30th to protect millions of people from bill increases. Will Matt Haney co-author AB 1999? Thank you.
Thank YOU!SF Climate Emergency Coalition
January 17: Looking back, looking ahead - and CCSF needs a plan!
Happy New Year!
I guess you’ve heard that 2023 was Earth’s hottest year on record. Yikes.
The best antidote for despair is activism. Here’s to making significant progress this year with our elected officials - and electing more true climate leaders with the will to look beyond their own immediate aspirations.
This November we elect a Mayor and the six Supervisors from odd-numbered districts. If you can, follow the candidates around and ask them what they plan to do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Get public commitments
In 2023 SFCEC volunteers like you worked to convince our leaders to show up for the climate.
Over the past year, together we pushed for:
SF City College needs a climate action and sustainability plan
…..and despite efforts begun almost two decades ago, no such plan exists. As one of the largest property owners in San Francisco, CCSF must do its part to contribute to a sustainable future and a just transition to a green, all-electric City. The California Community College Board of Governors has called for each local college district to adopt a resolution to meet system-wide climate action and sustainability goals.
Over the past year, together we pushed for:
- a Climate Bond to be included in the 10-year bond schedule. See more below.
- a Budget & Appropriations Committee hearing with the Capital Planning Committee (CPC) after the Supes, thanks to your advocacy, had unanimously recommended that the CPC schedule climate bonds early in its updated 10-year lineup. The CPC response was excuse-filled and disappointing, but we didn’t give up.
- the Bay Area Air Quality Management District board of directors to adopt new rules banning the sale of new gas-powered water heaters and furnaces, beginning in 2027 and 2029 respectively. They did!
- in the absence of a climate bond per se, amending the Affordable Housing Bond on the March 2024 ballot to require that existing buildings or units designated for “preservation” (rehab and/or acquisition) be made all-electric - a first small step by the City to begin to get methane gas out of homes. But alas, although the final version does mention climate several times and entities enacting the bond’s provisions are “strongly encouraged to work collaboratively” with “local climate advocates,” it omits any actual obligation to do so.
- visits with Supervisors and staff to show them that their constituents want further and faster climate action. We met with every office but one.
- General Fund money in the Mayor’s budget to support the Climate Action Plan. Many letters were sent to the Mayor. After two years (2021, 2022) of our advocacy led to $0 in her proposed budgets for SF Environment Dept (SFE) - though we did succeed with the Supervisors later - in 2023 the Mayor finally included SFE for the first time ever, thereby providing staff needed to acquire federal and state grant funding!
- Supervisors to “add back” what the Mayor left out: funding to continue creating and ultimately to launch the Climate Equity Hub.
- The budget process concluded with advocates spending the day roaming City Hall lobbying Supervisors to save the Hub - and ultimately, they did!
SF City College needs a climate action and sustainability plan
…..and despite efforts begun almost two decades ago, no such plan exists. As one of the largest property owners in San Francisco, CCSF must do its part to contribute to a sustainable future and a just transition to a green, all-electric City. The California Community College Board of Governors has called for each local college district to adopt a resolution to meet system-wide climate action and sustainability goals.
Now, CCSF Board of Trustees President Alan Wong has submitted a Resolution Supporting a Green New Deal for City College and Adopting a Climate Action and Sustainability Plan, to be voted on by the Trustees at their meeting January 25th. SFCEC has joined 350SF and other allies to encourage our members to write or call to urge the trustees to adopt the resolution. Here is more information, plus a handy letter-writing tool.
On the horizon... and possibly requiring our attention and advocacy soon:
- electric vehicle curbside charging study and pilot program
- strengthening of the existing all-electric new construction ordinance, plus new legislation to require that major renovations be all-electric
- preventing cuts to funding allocated for SFE in last year’s budget
- a Regional Affordable Housing Bond on the November ballot
