David Cooper

☑️ California's Community Renewable Energy Act (AB 2316) aims to promote the use of solar energy through community projects, yet recent proposals by the CPUC have created uncertainty. ☑️ The US community solar market is predicted to grow by 118% over the next five years, showcasing the massive potential if the guidelines are clear. ☑️ The takeaway for property owners is that solar power is not just for individual residences and can help to create a more resilient energy grid. People, let's dive into the exciting yet complex terrain of California's community solar project regulations! With the surge in popularity solar energy has seen recently, coupled with the introduction of innovative solutions for capturing the sun's bounty, the solar industry is thriving more than ever. But, a recent revised proposition by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regarding AB 2316 has whipped up a sector-wide uproar. The issue lies in the alleged conflict between Net Value Billing Tariff (NVBT) and federal laws, making the future of community solar program vague. Despite such a setback, the immense potential of community solar projects is undeniable, with predictions indicating a whopping 118% growth in the US community solar market over the next few years. If regulated properly, California could spearhead a thriving solar market in the US, encouraging homeowners to invest in solar arrays and decentralized energy production. Let's keep an eye on community solar programs, making every home and business an ally towards achieving energy independence. For more information on selling solar virtually across the USA visit www.tstpros.com.

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Exciting news for climate accountability! Office of California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a new law, SB 219, mandating that large companies operating in the state disclose their GHG emissions and assess climate-related financial risks. This legislation, building on SB 253 and SB 261, introduces climate reporting for most large U.S. businesses. Under SB 253, companies with revenues over $1 billion doing business in #California must report their Scope 1 & 2 emissions starting in 2026, and Scope 3 in 2027.  Meanwhile, SB 261 requires firms with revenues over $500 million to evaluate and report their climate-related financial risks. This significant step not only enhances transparency but also encourages businesses to take meaningful action on #decarbonization. If your organization needs help with audit-ready emissions and #climate risk reporting for California (and/or other jurisdictions), please message us!

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Read the story at KQED Public Radio, “Proposition 4: California Approves $10 Billion Climate Bond,” by Ezra David Romero—November 6, 2024. “Californians overwhelmingly supported Proposition 4, a $10 billion climate bond to help the state prepare and adapt for the impacts of climate change. With more than half the votes counted, nearly 58% of votes favored the bond…. Proponents of the environmental bond, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, argued over the course of the campaign that it could prevent billions of dollars in damages from extreme storms, wildfires, drought, and rising sea levels... ‘With so much at stake, we’re eager to see a positive result that enables California to lead on climate action and secure a greener, more equitable future for our communities,’ said Mike Young, senior political and organizing director with California Environmental Voters… Lawmakers ultimately crafted a measure that funds work in eight key areas: water, wildfires, coastal resilience, nature-based solutions, clean air, outdoor access, extreme heat and climate-smart working lands. The bond also sets aside $475 million for offshore wind. ‘It prioritizes and enables robust, decisive action to advance our climate goals and enhance community resilience against climate impacts,’ said state Senate Majority Leader Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach)…”  See the full story below and at this link. https://lnkd.in/gdjTawVG #offshorewind #floatingwind #cleanenergy #renewables #climate #offshorewindca #pacificoffshorewindsummit

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🌿 California #SB219 Signed: Reporting Deadlines Remain Unchanged On Friday, Office of California Governor Gavin Newsom approved SB 219, reinforcing California's commitment to climate action and transparency. 🌎 The timeline for reporting remains unchanged, meaning businesses need to prepare now to report their 2025 data: https://lnkd.in/g6cyjUDn At Good.Lab, we’re here to help you navigate these changes with ease. Our comprehensive solutions are designed to simplify your climate reporting, covering everything from GHG emissions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3 to climate risk assessments. Review the #SB219 reporting timeline and learn how to get your business ready for CA compliance here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eATzHnB6 #ClimateCompliance #SustainabilityReporting #GoodLab #CaliforniaClimateBills #ESG #GHG

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Over the weekend, Governor Newsom signed the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act (formerly SB253 and SB261), making regulated corporate sustainability disclosure the law of the land in California. The CCDAA will impact thousands of companies in and out of California, mandating disclosure of scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related financial risks. The CCDAA is aligned with the global trend of regulated sustainability reporting, evident in initiatives like the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). It’s an important step forward for the US: an effort to harmonize and improve the standards and rigor of climate reporting. The first companies to report under the CCDAA will do so beginning in 2026. Read more about how you might be impacted: https://lnkd.in/eHY5zGEx

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SSMC's Indicators Report is in the San Mateo Daily Journal this morning! Data driven analysis about the need for equitable EV charging to reach our climate goals with top recommendations from our 2024 report. See the full report at bit.ly/Indicators2024 https://lnkd.in/g_yyJF93 #evcharging #sustainability #socialequity

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Read the story at KQED, “California's $10B Climate Bond Breaks Through Political Gridlock,” by Ezra David Romero—June 30, 2024. “Days before the final deadline, California lawmakers have settled on language for a $10 billion climate bond that will be presented to voters for approval in November. The primary focus of the bond is ‘to respond to challenges wrought by climate change by investing in natural and built infrastructure’... It also includes some funding for programs cut from the state’s budget. At least 40% of the bond must help vulnerable and disadvantaged communities with a median household income of less than 80% of the area average or less than 80% of the statewide median household income… The bond also sets aside $475 million for offshore wind. Earlier this year, Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood) pursued a $1 billion bond for offshore wind infrastructure. Still, lawmakers folded that into the larger climate bond effort, said Vienna Montague, Zbur’s communications director... Lawmakers have until July 3 to approve the bond for the November election, and Gov. Gavin Newsom must sign off on any bond measure the legislature approves with a two-thirds vote…” Read the full story below and at this link. https://lnkd.in/gjy68Dkf #offshorewind #floatingwind #cleanenergy #renewables #climate #offshorewindca #pacificoffshorewindsummit

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San Diego launches climate action plan. A digital dashboard for tracking progress 🌍📊🌱 San Diego has unveiled an ambitious climate action plan, complemented by an online dashboard designed to monitor the city’s environmental progress. This strategic initiative aims to combat climate change while promoting sustainability within the urban landscape. By utilizing digital tools, San Diego is fostering transparency and community engagement, empowering residents to be actively involved in the city’s climate goals 🏙️💚. -- The climate action plan outlines specific targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and increasing the use of renewable energy sources by 2035 🌞💡 -- The online dashboard provides real-time data on the city’s climate metrics, allowing residents to track progress and understand the impact of local policies and initiatives 📈🌐 -- This initiative encourages community involvement and awareness, promoting citizen participation in sustainability efforts and climate education 🏘️📚 -- By setting measurable goals and providing accessible data, San Diego is establishing a replicable model for other cities seeking to address climate change through actionable plans and public engagement 🌍🤝 San Diego’s climate action plan and accompanying dashboard are pivotal steps towards a sustainable future, promoting accountability and community collaboration. As cities worldwide face the challenges of climate change, this approach serves as a valuable blueprint for others aiming to implement effective and inclusive environmental strategies 🌱💪. #ClimateAction #Sustainability #SmartCities #SanDiego #GreenhouseGasReduction #RenewableEnergy #CommunityEngagement #EnvironmentalProgress #ClimateDashboard #UrbanPlanning https://lnkd.in/eXFuQ8EY

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#California can achieve bold climate goals without sacrificing affordability. A new op-ed from Clean Air Task Force's Ashley Arax and Net-Zero California's Neil Matouka outlines how public-private partnerships could expand clean energy infrastructure and save ratepayers up to $3 billion annually. With energy costs rising 50% in just three years, solutions that balance climate action and affordability are critical.    Read the full op-ed here: https://lnkd.in/gUZC529x

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CA FWD is thrilled to see the newly revamped infrastructure website launched by the Office of California Governor Gavin Newsom, which aims to show the impact of infrastructure investment across California. This website calls back to CA FWD's 2022 set of regional infrastructure meetings -- back then, along with Antonio Villaraigosa during his time as Infrastructure Advisor for the state of California, we met with over 1,000 Californians from across sectors and industries to hear feedback on regions-focused infrastructure spending. These regional meetings resulted in a CA FWD report with recommendations on how to best prioritize equity and climate resilience, while fast-tracking needed infrastructure projects. #Regionsup work like this is critical to our belief that the state's diverse and vibrant regions have the potential to show the U.S. and the world a truly sustainable economic model. https://lnkd.in/gSkyPEmf #infrastructure #energytransition #climateresilience #regionsup #california #energy #climate #cleanenergy #jobs #investment

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California has passed legislation requiring companies to file climate emissions disclosures beginning in 2026. However, now Governor Newsom has proposed delaying implementation of that same rule by two years, delaying Scope 1 and Scope 2 reporting until 2028 and Scope 3 until 2029. InfluenceMap’s latest research (https://lnkd.in/gpDJXfnc) finds that industry associations such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Business Roundtable are aligning with the positions of only a select group of members such as fossil fuel companies including ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, and Sempra in taking legal action against the SEC's federal climate disclosure rule, which was proposed shortly after the related California climate disclosure laws. 👉 Elevate this climate policy advocacy opportunity within your own company by urging your sustainability and/or government relations teams to weigh in with public support of the SEC’s final disclosure rules and by raising your support within your trade associations. You can also urge your company to learn more about and join an amicus brief organized by Ceres, Inc.

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In light of lagging progress toward climate targets, Chris Greig and co-author Sam Uden of Net-Zero California proposed an alternative strategy for navigating the risks of the energy transition in a recent Nature Communications perspective. The strategy, which Greig and Uden refer to as a mitigation ‘off-ramp’ policy, would be a formal process by which governments could temporarily divert from their decarbonization targets to better manage the risks of the clean energy transition while still driving the necessary emissions reductions to meet climate targets. Greig and Uden discuss the motivation and key considerations for mitigation off-ramps in a Q&A: https://bit.ly/3VaJ5Ns

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Disappointing Decision by CPUC: A Setback for California's Solar Growth On May 30, 2024, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) made a disheartening decision, approving a revised proposal for the state's community solar program, supported by major investor-owned utilities. This decision ignored a promising alternative proposed by a coalition of solar advocates, ratepayer groups, and labor unions. The rejected proposal, based on a Net Value Billing Tariff, aimed to compensate community solar subscribers fairly and boost renewable energy capacity. The approved decision makes only minor changes to existing programs, which have already failed to foster substantial renewable energy growth. Derek Chernow from the Coalition for Community Solar Access criticized the decision, stating it disregards the demands for a functional community solar program and solidifies California's lagging position in community solar markets. Similarly, Aaron Halimi of Renewable Properties expressed concern that this decision will deter investment in community solar projects, undermining the state's climate goals and efforts to reduce electric bills for low-income residents. Stephanie Doyle of the Solar Energy Industries Association emphasized that the CPUC's decision favors utilities' financial interests over the needs of low-income Californians and renters, further blocking their participation in the clean energy economy. She called for intervention from Governor Newsom and state leaders to prevent further setbacks in California's clean energy progress. This decision marks a significant missed opportunity for California to lead in community solar, leaving solar advocates deeply disappointed. #CPUC #CommunitySolar #RenewableEnergy #SolarGrowth #CleanEnergy #CaliforniaSolar #EnergyEquity #Sustainability #ClimateGoals https://lnkd.in/gbe8rmrm

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📗ECGI Working Paper Divestment and Engagement: The Effect of Green Investors on Corporate Carbon Emissions: https://lnkd.in/gEjqW2NB  👥Authors 💠 Matthew E. Kahn, University of Southern California and National Bureau of Economic Research 💠 John Matsusaka, University of Southern California 💠 Chong Shu, University of Utah This paper examines the influence of #GreenInvestors on corporate greenhouse gas emissions through the capital market. The research explores whether these investors have a more significant impact by divesting from polluters' stocks and limiting their access to capital, or by acquiring polluters' stocks and engaging with their management.   👉This paper will be presented at the upcoming Swedish House of Finance – ECGI Corporate Governance Conference: https://lnkd.in/gbjNTgYN #ecgiwp SSRN #ResponsibleCapitalism #SustainableFinance

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California’s new Climate Accountability Package (SB 253 & SB 261) infographic explanation. As sustainability executives, we are all closely monitoring the shifts in climate-related legislation. #VesselBot has developed an infographic that breaks down California’s new Climate Accountability Package (SB 253 and SB 261), which introduces important reporting requirements for many large companies operating within the state. Download the infographic: https://lnkd.in/dQWuJ7yd VesselBot-Enabling Sustainable Supply Chains #SB253 #SB261

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🌿 California Leads the Way in Climate Transparency With the signing of SB 253 and SB 261, California is setting new standards for climate accountability. ✅ SB 253: Requires companies with $1B+ in revenue doing business in California to disclose their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. 🌍 SB 261: Mandates companies with $500M+ in revenue to report their climate-related financial risks. These groundbreaking laws drive transparency and action toward a sustainable future. Is your organization ready? Contact Big Shine Energy to explore energy solutions that align with these goals. 🌎 #BigShineEnergy #Sustainability #ClimateAction #Transparency #GHGReduction

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