Green Economics (News)

Opponents sue Richmond, Chevron

Editor2 — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 13:54:12 -0500

By Katherine Tam

The lawsuit comes six weeks after a sharply divided City Council approved the contentious project, along with a $61 million community benefits agreement for Chevron to give funds for public safety, job training, health care and local groups. Officials drew more public criticism July 29 after council members Nat Bates, Ludmyrna Lopez, John Marquez, Harpreet Sandhu and Maria Viramontes appointed Bates, Lopez and Sandhu — with Marquez as an alternate — to a committee that would disperse $10 million from Chevron to local groups.

Smoke Stacks Spew Green in Richmond

Editor2 — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 13:40:36 -0500

By John Geluardi

Newspaper reporters who cover the city of Richmond like to say it’s a great town to write about because of the “Three Cs,” which refers to crime, corruption and Chevron.

The Richmond City Council has long been an easy date for any organization or business willing to plow money back into re-election campaigns.

Study finds congestion pricing doesn't hurt the poor

Editor2 — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Steve Hymon

One of the long-held arguments against congestion pricing or toll lanes is that they're not fair to low-income users. The tolls are the same for everybody and low-income earners get hit the hardest, so goes that line of thinking.

In fact, pretty much every politician I spoke to in the San Gabriel Valley has raised that point when talking about the proposal to convert the carpool lane on the 10 and possibly the 210 freeways into toll lanes.

Two local academics have concluded otherwise: tolls are a pretty fair way of raising money to build road capacity. In fact, they say, it's fairer than most other funding schemes.

Treadway: Richmond firm honored for being green

Editor2 — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500

By Chris Treadway

A homegrown Richmond electrical supply firm has found that green is good both in an environmental sense and a business sense. And the accompanying recognition isn't bad either.

Omega Pacific Electrical Supply was honored Friday with the first Minority Green Firm of the Year award for the western region by the Minority Business Development Agency of the United States Department of Commerce. The award, presented as part of Minority Enterprise Development Week, was accepted by Omega Pacific Vice President Todd Lewis in a ceremony at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco.

Bill Approved to Ease Bay Area Traffic, Reduce Auto Pollution

Editor2 — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Yee’s legislation would enact $1 vehicle fee to improve freeways

SACRAMENTO – The California State Assembly today approved legislation authored by Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco/San Mateo) to reduce traffic congestion and auto pollution in the Bay Area. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-Los Angeles) will have until September 30 to sign or veto the measure.

Environmental justice in action

Editor2 — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500

By Chris Treadway

During Richmond's recent public hearings on expansion plans for the Chevron refinery, Dr. Henry Clark was there to speak on the potential health consequences of the project on residents around the oil processing facility, particularly people in disadvantaged communities.

As executive director of the West County Toxics Coalition, a group he founded 22 years ago, Clark has been a tireless advocate on environmental justice issues before the phrase was commonly used. Five years ago, Contra Costa County recognized the cause by adopting an environmental justice policy, and last month supervisors formally accepted an Environmental Justice Framework submitted by Contra Costa Health Services for inclusion in the county health department's policy.

Supes Table “Green” Rent Increase Scheme

Editor2 — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500

by Randy Shaw

Clean Energy Act makes ballot

Editor2 — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500

It isn't the only charter amendment on the November ballot, but it's already shaping up to be the political lightning rod of this fall's election

By Janna Brancolini and Sarah Phelan

GREEN CITY The San Francisco Clean Energy Act isn't the only charter amendment on the November ballot, but it's already shaping up to be the political lightning rod of this fall's election.

Our Neighbors: Richmond attorney takes green practices to parks foundation

Editor2 — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500

By Chris Treadway

William Acevedo, a Richmond resident and attorney who leads the Green Business Practice Group at a large Oakland law firm, can now expand his environmental interests following his recent appointment to the East Bay Regional Parks Foundation.

The 39-year-old nonprofit foundation provides direct support for the East Bay Regional Park District, raises donations and invests funds for future use, bringing in more than $35 million in donations, land and in-kind services since 1969.

Acevedo, an attorney and partner at the Oakland law firm Wendel, Rosen, Black & Dean, was appointed to a two-year term on the foundation board.

SolarCity provides SF power below grid price

Editor2 — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500

If you are a San Francisco resident considering solar panels, now is the time for action, says Lyndon Rive, CEO of SolarCity, a start-up that leases panels to homeowners.

Since the city solar-incentive program came into effect in July, it has become financially viable for even small energy consumers to install solar-power systems. The San Francisco incentive covers between $3,000 to $6,000 for homeowners to install solar panels, as well as $10,000 for businesses and nonprofits, and $30,000 for nonprofit affordable housing. The program runs for a decade.