Last week I took a few days away from the office to participate in Climate Ride California, along with several colleagues from NRDC’s San Francisco and LA offices (see Amanda and Adriano’s blogs).
It was a beautiful, often rainy, and heartwarming experience that bonded us and brought out our resolve to continue the struggle to protect our wonderful planet. There is nothing quite like riding 320 miles through the redwoods, hills and coast of California to remind you just how lucky we all are to be alive.
Upon my return, I received some excellent news!
This weekend Governor Brown signed NRDC sponsored legislation to improve enforcement of energy efficiency appliance standards in California. SB 454, authored by Senator Fran Pavley (D-Santa Monica), passed the legislature with bipartisan support. SB 454 will improve enforcement of California's energy efficiency standards for appliances such as air conditioners, televisions, refrigerators and light bulbs. The new law provides for an administrative enforcement structure at the California Energy Commission, with a clear pathway for civil enforcement by the state Attorney General when necessary. SB 454 helps level the playing field for businesses that are complying with energy efficiency standards by improving enforcement against those who try to skirt the requirements. The bill also ensures that expected energy savings are more fully realized; thereby saving money and reducing pollution.
I worked to support the bill with my colleague Victoria Rome- and it was great to see it all the way to the finish line!
And so California’s leadership in fighting climate change rides on!
