California Climate Investments | Summer 2019
IN THIS EDITION
California Climate Investments In the News
Project Spotlights
California Climate Investments in the Community
CALIFORNIA CLIMATE INVESTMENTS IN THE NEWS
CDFA's Healthy Soils Program Selects 217 Projects for $12.48 Million in Grants
On June 4, 2019, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) selected 217 projects for award, totaling approximately $12.48 million in grant requests, through its Healthy Soils Program. This program encourages farmers and ranchers to implement practices that reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases, sequesters carbon in soils and improves soil health.
“California leads the nation in supporting innovative climate smart agriculture programs that address on-farm challenges and promote agricultural and environmental sustainability,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “Soil health is key to agricultural productivity and food security. Capturing atmospheric carbon and storing it in the soil enhances soil health for climate change and other benefits such as nutrient, water and dust management."
The $12.48 million in Healthy Soils Program funding is distributed between direct farmer incentives and on-farm demonstration projects. CDFA has selected 194 projects totaling $8.7 million in funding across 45 counties for the Incentives Program, and 23 projects totaling $3.8 million in funding across 16 counties for the Demonstration Program. Full press release here.
Energy Commission Awards $15 Million for Clean Energy Projects at Agricultural Facilities
On June 12, 2019, the California Energy Commission awarded more than $15 million in grants to 37 farmers and food producers as part of a portfolio of efforts designed to help achieve the state’s climate and clean energy goals.
The Renewable Energy for Agriculture Program (REAP) is providing nearly $9 million for solar energy and electric vehicle fast chargers on farms, orchards, vineyards, and other facilities in top agricultural counties statewide. The 32 awardees are also helping to finance the projects with nearly $5 million in match funding.
“The strong demand for these dollars and significant matched funding from the awardees shows that renewable and efficiency projects continue to make sense for California’s agricultural community,” said Energy Commission Chair David Hochschild.
In addition, the Energy Commission approved $6.6 million from the Food Production Investment Program (FPIP) for state-of-the-art energy saving technologies at five large food agricultural facilities that process food, including tomatoes, baked goods, and other products. Full press release here.
Strategic Growth Council Awards More than $400 Million to Build Affordable Homes near Public Transit and Create More Walkable, Bikeable Communities
On June 21, 2019, the California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) awarded more than $402 million from an innovative state program to 25 new community development projects around the state. Each project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help more Californians live closer to amenities they need every day, such as jobs, grocery stores, health care facilities, and more.
By integrating affordable homes with walking, biking, and transit use, the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) program makes it easier for Californians to drive less. To date, awards made through this competitive grant program will prevent more than 2 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, the equivalent of taking more than 15,000 cars off the road each year.
“The AHSC program is a great model for sustainable, inclusive growth that benefits all Californians,” said Kate Gordon, Chair of the Strategic Growth Council and Director of the Office of Planning and Research. “At a time when the state is struggling with spiraling housing costs, these projects will provide much-needed affordable homes that are also near transit and jobs, helping to improve the overall quality of life for residents. These projects truly are a win-win for the future of our state.” Full press release here.
Caltrans Awards Local Bus and Train Systems $146 Million to Improve Commutes and Environment
Continuing efforts to reduce the transportation sector’s impact on the environment, Caltrans announced $146 million from the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) will go to 180 local mass transit projects around the state. These projects help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cars by increasing the convenience, capacity and ridership of buses and trains around the state—meaning fewer cars on the roads, people using more sustainable modes of transit, and cleaner air for you and your family.
“Our current transportation system is congested and impacts the health of our communities and our planet,” said Bob Franzoia, Acting Director of Caltrans. “This funding gets people out of their cars by providing newer and cleaner ways to travel.”
The projects reduce or even eliminate fares in some cases, create or expand services, increase use of zero emission technology, and improve facilities. More than 160 of the projects and $142 million will specifically benefit disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, or low-income households within a half-mile of a disadvantaged community. These areas are the most affected by the changing climate. Full press release here.
California Air Resources Board is accepting applications for its Community Air Grants Program
The Community Air Grants Program is a part of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) overall efforts to implement Assembly Bill 617. Signed into law in 2017, AB 617 established a community-based framework to improve air quality and reduce exposure to toxic air pollutants in California communities most impacted by air pollution.
As an initial step toward building the capacity of California communities to participate in the implementation of AB 617, CARB developed the Community Air Grants Program. Community-based organizations can partner with government to better identify, evaluate and reduce air pollution and harmful emissions in their communities.
CARB is releasing these guidelines under the fiscal year 2018-2019 State budget for $5 million. Applications are due September 30! Full information here.
State Water Board Authorizes Nearly Quarter Billion Dollars to Provide Safe and Affordable Drinking Water
On August 20, 2019, the State Water Resources Control Board authorized spending nearly a quarter billion dollars to help local water systems provide safe, reliable drinking water to communities throughout the state and begin closing the safe drinking water gap for more than one million Californians.
“Communities across the state have struggled for far too long without access to safe drinking water,” said State Water Resources Control Board Chair E. Joaquin Esquivel. “With today’s action, we can begin to close this gap and ensure that the essential human right to safe and affordable water is provided to all Californians.”
The Board authorized spending $130 million this year and for the next 10 years from the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund. Last month, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 200 (Monning), which created the fund to provide a reliable source of ongoing funding for safe drinking water needs using revenue from the state’s cap-and-trade program. Full press release here.
New Pilot Program for Clean Transportation Options for Schools Now Accepting Applications
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced a competitive grant solicitation for the new Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Project, which has $10 million available. This program is available for school(s) located within disadvantaged communities, and California public school districts and County Offices of Education that operate at least one school located in a disadvantaged community can apply.
The Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Project grant offers school communities an opportunity to create meaningful spaces that inspire future generations, improve air quality, and develop real solutions to the climate crisis. This pilot can fund zero-emission vehicles and supporting charging or fueling infrastructure in one or more schools. The program can also fund shared mobility concepts like bike or car shares in schools.
Applications are due no later than Monday, October 21, 2019. CARB will hold two Applicant Teleconferences to answer questions about eligibility, application, and other requirements. Full information here.
PROJECT SPOTLIGHTS
New Volvo LIGHTS project to demonstrate ability for heavy-duty, battery electric trucks and equipment to reliably move freight at zero emissions
Across the United States, more than 70% of all goods used in our daily lives—from food to manufactured products—are transported to our stores and homes by trucks. As the nation’s demand for goods continues to reach record levels, cities are facing an increase in congestion, noise, and air pollution. The Volvo LIGHTS project in Southern California is an important step in the transforming goods movement.
The Volvo LIGHTS project is a partnership among the Volvo Group, South Coast AQMD and industry leaders in transportation and electrical charging infrastructure. The project will demonstrate the ability of battery electric vehicles to improve freight and warehouse efficiencies, reduce emissions and improve air quality.
"This substantial climate investment by the state, matched by the project partners, will help speed up the number of zero-emission trucks in the California communities and neighborhoods where they are needed the most," said CARB Chairwoman Mary D. Nichols. "It will provide a real-world at-work demonstration of innovative heavy-duty electric vehicle technologies. The project offers a commercial solution to move cargo and freight around the state using zero-emission trucks and equipment that protect air quality and cut climate-changing emissions." For more information, please visit the website.
30-Acre Fuel-Reduction Project Underway in Calaveras County
In December of 2018, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) awarded the Calaveras County Resources Conservation District (CCRCD) a $103,000 grant to fund the Mill Woods Fuel Reduction project through its Fire Prevention Grants Program. The funds will cover 30-acres of undeveloped common property in the Mill Woods subdivision northwest of Arnold.
The goal of the project is to decrease the fuel load and create a fuel break protecting the Mill Woods subdivision as well as central Arnold and other neighboring communities. The cleared area will reduce the risk of fire ignition, slow its potential spread, and provide the first responders with the critical extra time to achieve control of the fire situation.
Gordon Long, Executive Director of CCRCD said, “It is important to note that the Mill Woods project is part of a major effort to construct shaded fuel breaks around all communities from Camp Connell to Murphys on the Hwy 4 corridor with major contributions from Calaveras Big Trees State Park, Sierra Pacific Industries, Stanislaus National Forest and other subdivisions. The CCRCD is pleased to play an important role in this significant project.”
To learn more about CAL FIRE grant programs, visit the website.
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 seven events in Fresno, Sacramento, San Diego, San Jose, and Stockton.
If there is an event you would like California Climate Investments to attend, please email us at info@climateinvestments.ca.gov.
Children's Materials
We recently created materials to help children learn about California Climate Investments and how California is combating climate change. Click the pictures below to visit the website where you can download materials.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
For a listing of funding opportunities, Launch the Funding Wizard.
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
For more information, visit www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov
Or call our hotline at 800.757.2907 Hablamos Español
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