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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🚨 Breaking News: California Climate Rules #SB253 and #SB261, passed last year, have been amended to form #SB219. This new legislation will be pivotal to ensuring the bills maintain their current adoption timelines and address some of the criticisms the bills received in their current lawsuit and from California Governor Gavin Newsom. 🔍 Here’s a quick summary of what this means: - Extended Timeline: California Air Resources Board (#CARB) now has until July 1, 2025, to integrate SB 253 into the rule. - Cost Reduction: Reporting fees for SB 253 and SB 261 have been removed to lower business costs. - Streamlined Reporting: Companies can now consolidate SB 253 and SB 261 reporting at the parent company level. - Flexibility for CARB: CARB may, but is not required to, collaborate with external organizations for climate risk reports and public disclosure systems and now determines when companies share Scope 3 after Scope 1 and 2, which previously had a 180-day deadline. To get a full update on the amendments to California’s Climate Accountability Package, check out our blog: https://lnkd.in/eATzHnB6 If your company needs to prepare for compliance with California’s latest climate regulations, Good.Lab is here to help. Reach out to us for expert guidance!

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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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🌿 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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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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Big changes are coming to California’s climate regulations. With the signing of SB-219, there’s a six-month extension for the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to adopt regulations, now set for July 1, 2025. Plus, companies can report GHG emissions at the consolidated parent company level, aligning with SB-261. However, the 2026 deadline for reporting GHG emissions and climate risks remains unchanged. What does this mean for businesses? Learn more about how this impacts your compliance strategy and what steps to take next in our latest blog. Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/d8x4uHCU #ClimateRegulations #SB219 #California #Sustainability #USA #ClimateRisk #Compliance #EnvironmentalRegulations #SustainabilityReporting #NetZero #CarbonManagement #ClimateAction #SB253 #SB261

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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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🌟 2025 Is the Pivotal Year for California's New Climate Regulations! Starting in 2026, over 10,000 companies doing business in California will be required to report their climate risks and emissions. That means 2025 is your critical window to prepare and ensure compliance to avoid any penalties. We've created a comprehensive guide to help your company navigate these new requirements. Here's how you can get started: ✅ Prepare your Scope 1 and 2 emissions data ✅ Establish strong ESG data governance frameworks ✅ Align with the TCFD recommendations Don't wait—take action in 2025 to ensure you're ready for 2026 compliance. Reach out to Good.Lab to see how we can assist you. 👉 Read our full guide here: https://hubs.ly/Q02-xxRM0 #ClimateDisclosure #SB219 #SustainabilityReporting #SustainabilitySolved

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💸🚫 Outrageous! Businesses are already burdened with cap and trade fees for environmental protection. Now, SB 1497 wants to pile on additional fees stifling economic growth. The legislature needs to understand that these extra costs will inevitably trickle down to consumers - adding to the already hefty gas prices from existing taxes and regulation fees. It's time to demand a balanced approach that doesn't suffocate businesses and burden everyday people. 🌱💼 + Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/dwTmnZ6k -------------------------------------------------------------- #ProtectConsumers #FindBalance #OpposeSB1497 #EconomicConcerns #RetailTheft #PublicFrustration

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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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New job opportunities are on the way for CA. CalRecycle is now accepting applications for $40 million in redemption innovation technology grants on top of $15 million in workforce development grants rolling out this year to build the future of recycling in California. The state will also promote workforce development in this space through the California Jobs First Council (https://lnkd.in/gXnvQJPf) The state recently released draft regulations for Governor Gavin Newsom’s “Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act” (SB 54, enacted in 2022), kicking off the formal rule-making process. “For too long, plastic polluters have passed the buck on the growing burden of plastic waste contaminating the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat,” said Governor Newsom. “California is leading the way to hold producers responsible, drive sustainable innovation and green jobs, and support the most impacted communities. We have to act now, with urgency, to give our kids a future without plastic pollution.” This law requires the following by 2032: * Sell 25% less single-use plastic packaging and food ware in the state. * Make all single-use packaging and plastic food-ware recyclable or compostable. * Recycle 65% of single-use plastic packaging and food ware. See more at https://lnkd.in/gAvR3J8D

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I can't agree more! The groundwater storage in California is unprecedent and has the ability to store much more water than current surface water storage. "Groundwater basins provide natural, underground systems that, if utilized properly, can boost water storage capacity beyond lakes and reservoirs. In California, these systems have the potential to store up to 1.3 billion acre-feet of water. That's a huge increase from the roughly 40 million acre-feet of storage from above-ground reservoirs." https://lnkd.in/gDDtEJ8g

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FREE WEBINAR: Roadmap for Climate-Related Disclosures: California, SEC & CSRD Wednesday 31st July | 11am ET | 8am PT | 4pm BST Delivered in partnership with ClimeCo Register for this webinar to gain valuable industry insight into how to prepare your business to meet upcoming climate-related deadlines. Our expert speakers will also cover: ⏱️Disclosure mandates and critical deadlines 📍The roadmap to compliance preparation, including specific actions, risks and opportunities 📝How to take advantage of planning efficiencies including considerations for internal team coordination through illustrative case studies REGISTER YOUR PLACE FOR FREE: https://hubs.ly/Q02G10-10 #Decarbconnect #ClimeCo #Climatedisclosures #SB253 #SB261 #SEC #CSRD #Decarbonisation #Sustainability #Sustainable #Compliance

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🌱 California's $22M Boost for Corporate Climate Disclosure! California is taking significant steps to enhance corporate climate transparency. Budget Update: Governor Gavin Newsom's revised 2024-2025 budget includes $22 million to support climate disclosure laws SB 253 and SB 261. Fund Allocation: The funds will shift from the General Fund to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, fueled by the Greenhouse Cap-and-Trade Program. Regulatory Development: The California Air Resources Board (CARB) will hire staff to create detailed rules for the new laws. Long-Term Investment: Over five years, $3.6 billion will be redirected to support various climate initiatives including clean energy, zero-emission vehicles, and nature-based solutions. Mandates: SB 253: Companies with $1 billion+ in revenue must report emissions. SB 261: Companies with $500 million+ in revenue must disclose climate risks. 🔗 Industry Support: Companies like Patagonia, REI, and Heirloom have urged for full funding, highlighting the need for streamlined reporting aligned with EU and SEC requirements. Conclusion: As we scale climate solutions, it's crucial to be pragmatic. Ensuring robust, clear regulations and aligning with global standards will enable businesses to effectively manage and disclose their climate impact. 🌍 Read more here in an article from GreenBiz: https://lnkd.in/eBsheqdA #ClimateAction #Sustainability #CorporateResponsibility

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EPA Announces $276 Million in Available Funding for California Water Infrastructure Projects – Raising the Total to $545 Million Announced This Month: On October 23, 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $276 million in available funding for California water infrastructure projects. When combined with the $269 million it announced on October 8, 2024, that raises the total to $545 million announced this month. The funding comes through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides for $50 billion in investments in water infrastructure throughout the country. The October 23 announcement is part of a total of $3.6 billion in available funding, which is designated to particular states and territories. When combined with the $2.6 billion announced on October 8, that marks a total of $6.2 billion in available funding nationwide for Fiscal Year 2025. The funding will be available through California’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). The revolving funds generally operate by providing low interest loans and a variety of other services. Specifically, the October 23 funding is split into the following allotments: $178 million for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Clean Water General Supplemental funds, $15 million for Clean Water Emerging Contaminants funds, and $82 million for the Drinking Water Emerging Contaminants Fund. The October 8 funding, which was announced alongside the Biden administration’s lead and copper rule final regulations, is solely available under the DWSRF and “is available to support lead pipe replacement and inventory projects.” https://lnkd.in/g7PcjnRX

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