Author Archives: bvesser

More on PG&E’s “Green Option” from Greenwire

Posted on May 16, 2012 by bvesser

In California, questions swirl around new voluntary renewable energy program Greenwire by Debra Kahn – May 14, 2012 Despite pitfalls and naysayers, California’s largest and most troubled power company is plugging its latest “green” efforts. Northern California’s Pacific Gas and Electric Co. unveiled a new “green option” last month that would allow customers to pay extra to have their electricity … More >

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Sonoma Clean Power vs. PG&E’s “Green Option” Program

Posted on May 14, 2012 by bvesser

Background: April 10, 2012, the Sonoma County Water Agency Board voted unanimously to continue its evaluation of Sonoma Clean Power. Since 2011 the Sonoma County Water Agency has studied the feasibility and desirability of implementing Sonoma Clean Power, a local program that will buy and generate electricity for businesses and residents to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions. April 24, 2012, … More >

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Get it Done!

Posted on April 1, 2012 by bvesser

Battling climate change can take its toll on us.  At times, the shift we need to make in our economic system to move us away from fossil fuel toward clean energy and the changes to our habitual ways of thinking seems daunting.  Our political system with powerful and entrenched interests seems rigged against making the changes necessary to avert catastrophe.  … More >

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Job Announcement

Posted on February 21, 2012 by bvesser

Project Coordinator (eCO2mmute) The Climate Protection Campaign, a nonprofit organization based in Sonoma County, seeks a talented team player who’s a quick learner, is excited about helping implement the eCO2mmute program in Sonoma County high schools, and is passionate about climate protection. The mission of the Climate Protection Campaign is to inspire, align and mobilize action in response to the … More >

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Hidden Cost – Letter to the Editor Press Democrat By Woody Hastings

Posted on January 19, 2012 by bvesser

A big piece of the story was missing in the article about the modest increase in electricity rates due to the decrease in natural gas costs (“Small hike expected in PG&E bills,” Dec. 31). Natural gas prices have fallen recently largely because hydraulic fracturing, known as fracking, is increasing gas supplies. Because much of Sonoma County’s electricity comes from natural … More >

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Boldness and vision in the wine industry

Posted on January 19, 2012 by bvesser

Close to Home, Press Democrat January 1, 2012 Vineyards cover only 6% of Sonoma County’s one million acres, but the county’s $400 million wine industry plays a major role in climate protection. So it is heartening to read that Jackson Family Wines recently received a Green Power Leadership Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (“Viticulture Briefs”, 11/27/11, Press Democrat.) … More >

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Adaptation and Reduction – Letter to the Editor – Press Democrat by Barry Vesser

Posted on January 19, 2012 by bvesser

Thank you for publishing comments from Jack Hayes, National Weather Service (“In 2012, let’s plan for worst weather”). Hayes calls for us to prepare for extreme weather events. Adaptation to greenhouse gas impacts from emissions we’ve already put in the atmosphere is a prudent, minimum response in the wake of record weather disasters this year.  Unfortunately, Mr. Hayes does not mention … More >

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Request for Proposals Released for Cool Schools’ Web Based Trip Tracking Tool

Posted on December 6, 2011 by bvesser

The Climate Protection Campaign is soliciting proposals from web designers to develop and maintain a site for the Cool School eCO2mmute program that will provide a contemporary web application to track student travel and encourage awareness of school travel choices to reduce carbon emissions and improve personal health for Sonoma, Alameda and San Mateo County High Schools.  Please use the link … More >

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New Team Member Amy Jolly

Posted on November 4, 2011 by bvesser

We are pleased to announce a new addition to our team!  Amy Jolly is our new Cool Schools Program Manager. She will revitalize our eC02mmute program, which will reduce carbon emissions associated with the student commute in high schools across Sonoma County. She previously worked for the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition as their Education Program Manager developing and implementing their … More >

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Public Policy that Builds the Green Economy

Posted on September 27, 2011 by bvesser

Letter to the Editor of the Press Democrat (published 9/24/11) I appreciate the Press Democrat for carrying David Brooks’ insightful columns. Nonetheless, he mistakenly concludes that government investment in energy efficiency and clean energy does not create jobs (“Where the jobs aren’t,” PD Sept 7) Professor David Roland-Holst, a UC Berkeley economist, found that investing in energy efficiency pays handsomely. … More >

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