California Climate Investments | Spring 2018
What is California Climate Investments? It's a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment---particularly in disadvantaged and low-income communities.
California Climate Investments projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are made in disadvantaged and low-income communities.
For more information, visit www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov
Call us at 800.757.2907 Hablamos Español
In this Edition:
- Community Leadership Summit Recap
- California Climate Investments In the News
- Project Spotlights
- 2018 California Climate Investments Annual Report
- California Climate Investments in the Community
- Welcome New Programs to California Climate Investments
- Funding Opportunities
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP SUMMIT – MARCH 2018
On March 12th, the agencies that administer California Climate Investments hosted the Community Leadership Summit: Best Practices for Building Successful Projects at the UC Riverside Extension. The Summit brought together nearly 250 participants ranging from state staff, leadership from community-based organizations, local agencies, outreach and technical assistance partners, nonprofits, and local partners from across the state.
The event featured a series of engaging panels and interactive sessions focused on best practices in community engagement, strategies for developing and implementing successful projects, and the importance of social equity in funding opportunities. Attendees expressed the importance of engaging with community-based organizations and educational institutions to maximize outreach and foster trust. There was also great interest in exploring how California Climate Investments funds can support local workforce development efforts. Learn more>>>
Watch a short recap of the summit:
CALIFORNIA CLIMATE INVESTMENTS IN THE NEWS
California Air Resources Board
On June 6, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) awarded $10 million in grants to help 25 community-groups and three Native American Tribes reduce air pollution in their neighborhoods through the Community Air Grants. For the full press release, click here (y para Español, oprima aqui)
In addition, on March 6, 2018, the California Air Resources Board awarded a $7 million grant to CALSTART for Ultra-Low NOx Heavy-Duty Truck Demonstration Project. The project will build and install cleaner, more fuel efficient, and cost saving engines into heavy duty trucks that will operate in service in California beginning in 2020.
The project is part of CARB’s Low Carbon Transportation and Fuels Investments and Air Quality Improvement Program. Full press release here.
California State Transportation Agency
CalSTA announced 28 recipients for more than $2.6 billion dollars in Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program grants for transformative transit and rail projects. CalSTA is also providing additional funding for seven critical projects through multi-year funding agreements, bringing the total awarded to over $4.3 billion. Full press release here.
California Department of Community Services and Development
California Department of Community Services & Development has released draft program guidelines for two new components of the Low-Income Weatherization Program: Community Solar and Farmworker Housing. Program guidelines, provide interested parties with information on the program framework and requirements. CSD will be hosting two program workshops in Fresno; on June 28 for the Community Solar program (register here) and on June 29 for the LIWP Farmworker Housing program (register here).
In addition to program focused workshops, on June 29, just before the Farmworker Housing workshop, CSD and Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula are co-hosting a Solar PV Consumer Protections Info Session in Fresno. Homeowners in the Central Valley have been targeted and negatively impacted by providers offering contracts that lack transparency and cause financial damage. The goal of this info session is to provide helpful resources and increase awareness to prevent further harm in these communities. Register here.
PROJECT SPOTLIGHTS
BlueLA launches in Los Angeles
On April 20, 2018, the city of Los Angeles launched BlueLA - a revolutionary 100% electric vehicle (EV) car sharing system serving disadvantaged and low income communities throughout the city. Expanding to 40 stations, 200 charging points, and 100 cars in Los Angeles, members have access to a network of shared electric vehicles 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at self-service locations.
The project was made possible through a grant from the California Air Resources Board through California Climate Investments to pilot electric vehicle car sharing in disadvantaged and low-income communities of Los Angeles.
Communities to be served include Westlake, Koreatown, Pico-Union, Downtown, Echo Park, Boyle Heights, and Chinatown. Project implementation and outreach efforts are supported by the LA Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, Shared Use Mobility Center, and a committee of community-based organizations. Visit https://www.bluela.com/ to find out more! #BlueLA
Technical Assistance for Active Transportation Projects
Strategic Growth Council (SGC), in partnership with Caltrans and the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA), has contracted with the Local Government Commission, California Walks, California Bicycle Coalition, and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy to provide technical assistance to five (5) communities across the state.
The goal of this work is to assist these communities in scoping bicycle and pedestrian projects, cultivate partnerships across local jurisdictions and community organizations and residents, and apply to various funding sources, including California Climate Investments programs and the Active Transportation program.
Interested recipients for this technical assistance were asked to complete a short survey to assess project status, community capacity, history of success in funding programs, and disadvantaged community and/or low-income status. The survey returned 22 responses, demonstrating a robust interest in supportive services for active transportation projects. Selected communities include:
- City of Colton
- City of Richmond
- City of Willits
- County of San Joaquin
- County of Riverside (Thermal/Oasis/Torres Martinez Tribe)
The technical assistance providers are conducting initial site visits and establishing work plans with each community. Stay tuned for more updates! For more information, contact Monica Palmeira at monica.palmeira@sgc.ca.gov.
Replace your Ride
Get up to $9,500 to Replace your older, high-polluting vehicle with a newer one, upgrade to a hybrid or electric vehicle, or get vouchers for rideshares or public transit passes. The program is limited to vehicle owners residing in the jurisdiction of the South Coast Management District who meet the income and vehicle requirements. If you are interested in applying, please click here, or call 844.797.2223 for further information.
Through the Replace Your Ride program, the resident above was able to purchase a newer and more fuel-efficient vehicle.
2018 Annual Report on California Climate Investments
2018 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE
The 2018 Annual Report details the dramatic growth in 2018 Cap-and-Trade investments that are reducing greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening local economies and improving public health and the environment across the state, especially in disadvantaged and low-income communities.
More than $720 million in new funding last year went to projects that were either under way or completed across all of California’s 58 counties, a two-thirds increase in implemented investments. From rebates for electric cars to affordable housing units, completed projects totaled 75,000, including doubling the number of home energy efficiency installations and nearly tripling the number of trees planted.
- A 44-unit affordable housing development in Tulare County with integrated vanpooling service and discount transit passes is among more than 1,600 housing units funded statewide.
- The Cecchini Farm in Contra Costa County, whose fifth-generation owners decided not to sell after they were approved for a conservation easement, is among more than 250,000 acres of land statewide that will be preserved, from coastal watersheds and wetlands to mountain meadows.
- Los Angeles County’s Foothill Transit is purchasing 15 zero-emission electric buses to advance the agency’s goal to go all-electric by 2030 to reduce GHG emissions and improve air quality in the inland communities it serves.
The report features profiles that highlight the impact these investments are having on individuals and communities, particularly those in California’s most disadvantaged communities.
Source: 2018 California Climate Investments Annual Report
CALIFORNIA CLIMATE INVESTMENTS IN THE COMMUNITY
The California Climate Investments outreach team has been busy sharing funding opportunities and projects at community events across the state.
During the past quarter, California Climate Investments participated in 15 events in Bakersfield, Fresno, Grass Valley, Irvine, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland, Sacramento, Salinas, San Diego, San Francisco, and Riverside.
If there is an event you would like California Climate Investments to attend, please email us at info@climateinvestments.ca.gov.
Earth Day LA 2018 (Left), March for Science 2018 (Center), Clean Energy Job Fair & Career Day (Right)
WELCOME NEW PROGRAMS TO CALIFORNIA CLIMATE INVESTMENTS
Get to know the new California Climate Investments programs that were funded by the legislature last year.
Strategic Growth Council
Climate Change Research Program
This program has $11 million to fund research on reducing carbon emissions, including clean energy, climate adaptation, and resiliency. SGC staff anticipate recommending awards in late July. For more information, click here.
California Air Resources Board
Community Air Protection Program
This program received $250 million to achieve early actions in support of AB 617, providing emission reductions to communities most burdened by air pollution. Local air districts are administering funds through the Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program in consultation with local communities and community-based organizations. For more information, click here.
Community Air Grants Program
This program just announced recipients of $10 million (see press release above). It allows flexibility for community based organizations to participate in the AB 617 process and to build their own capacities to become active partners with government to identify, evaluate, and ultimately reduce exposure to harmful air emissions in their neighborhoods. For more information, click here.
Funding Agricultural Replacement Measures for Emission Reductions (FARMER) Program
This program will provide $135 million in grants, rebates and other financial incentives for cleaner agricultural harvesting equipment, heavy-duty trucks, agricultural pump engines, tractors, and other equipment that reduces GHG emissions and criteria pollutant forming emissions from agricultural operations. For more information, click here.
California Energy Commission
Food Production Investment Program
This program will provide $60 million in incentives for California’s food processors to increase efficiency and adopt advanced technologies. Eligible projects include upgrades to existing infrastructure, installation of advanced efficiency measures, and industrial process improvements that result in reductions in energy use and GHG emissions. For more information, click here.
Renewable Energy for Agriculture Program
This program will provide $6 million in financial assistance for capital costs of agricultural on‑site renewable energy generation. Eligible projects may include wind energy and solar installations. Energy cost savings from project implementation will be re‑invested in disadvantaged communities to promote workforce development and community health. For more information, click here.
California State Coastal Conservancy
Climate Ready Program
This program will provide $3.8 million in grants to implement climate adaptation projects using natural infrastructure and will support local governments on adaptation plans to protect built and natural infrastructure from sea level rise and other climate adaptation issues. Program applications are due July 2nd. For more information, click here.
California Conservation Corps
Training and Work Experience
This program received $5 million from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) to provide training and work experience for young adult California Conservation Corps Members implementing projects that reduce GHG emissions. Examples include fire prevention and forest health management, energy conservation, and urban greening. For more information, click here.
California Office of Emergency Services
Wildfire Response and Readiness
This program will provide $25 million in local assistance grants to fire departments within High Hazard Severity Zones to support activities directly related to the reductions of GHG emissions from uncontrolled wildfires and regional response and readiness. Projects may include pre-deployment of local resources for disaster response.
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Wildfire Prevention and Forest Health
This program has $75 million to fund a variety of fire prevention services and programs in the State Responsibility Area, including fuels reduction projects that reduce the risk of wildfire to communities, evacuation routes, and infrastructure. Other activities include defensible space inspections, helping communities create and update Community Wildfire Protection Plans, fire prevention education, fire hazard severity mapping, implementation of the State and local fire plans, and fire-related law enforcement activities such as arson investigation.
Wildlife Conservation Board
Climate Adaption and Resiliency
This program has $20 million to fund climate adaptation projects for natural and working lands. Projects may include conservation easements and agreements; adaptation and resiliency planning; technical assistance for land managers; and improved rural-urban coordination on climate change adaptation. For more information, click here.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
For a complete listing of funding opportunities, Launch the Funding Wizard.
For more information, visit www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov
Or call our hotline at 800.757.2907 Hablamos Español
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