Get ready. . . get set. . . for the greatest week of the year. . . it’s nearly San Francisco Climate Week!!! That’s right, in just FOUR days, events in celebration of SF Climate Week 2024 will begin across San Francisco. More than 15,000 people and 350 organizations are expected to attend a week of collective action focused on the role of unity, innovation, community, and technology in creating a sustainable future. Individuals interested in attending can sign up for events here. If you can’t wait for Climate Week in the city, we welcome our followers to attend the upcoming Earth Day Festival in Palo Alto this Sunday, April 21. With live animals encounters, an upcycled art show, and pollinator garden tours, what’s not to love? Come see Acterra's table at this event! We look forward to celebrating this special time of year with other organizations and individuals working for climate action in the Bay Area. |
Support climate action in the Bay Area. Click the "donate" button above. |
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The City of Menlo Park is excited to introduce the Electric Garden Voucher Program! |
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Residents and businesses in Menlo Park now have the opportunity to receive financial assistance when purchasing electric garden tools. Eligible residents and non-gardening businesses can receive vouchers of up to $250, while gardening businesses may qualify for vouchers of up to $1000 to invest in eco-friendly electric gardening equipment. |
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To qualify, residents must show proof of residency in Menlo Park and meet specific criteria such as enrollment in government or utility financial assistance programs, living in a polluted neighborhood, or being over the age of 65. Gardening or landscaping businesses must hold a valid Menlo Park license. Additionally, businesses operating outside Menlo Park but providing services within are required to provide proof of service. For more details about the program, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit our website. |
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The City of Menlo Park is excited to introduce the Electric Garden Voucher Program! |
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| The City of Mountain View, in partnership with Acterra, is excited to introduce the E-bike Voucher Program! Designed to promote sustainable transportation options, this initiative empowers eligible residents of Mountain View to access vouchers for purchasing cutting-edge, environmentally friendly electric bikes from designated vendors. By lowering barriers to e-bike ownership, we aim to enhance the well-being of both our community and the environment. |
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Eligibility Criteria for Application - Mountain View Residents must demonstrate proof of residence. Unhoused residents can provide a letter from a local homeless shelter or nonprofit serving Mountain View
- Meet the specified low to moderate income criteria (find them here).
Step by Step Guide
- Check eligibility at the Mountain View Website
- Fill out the online application
- Receive your voucher code via email
- Choose your preferred vendor and buy your electric bike
- Complete the post-application survey in your inbox
- Enjoy your clean and safe ride
For more info and the application, please visit our website. |
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Code Red Webinar On May 9 from 10 – 11:30 am, join us for a new "Code Red for Humanity” webinar. City staff and public officials in the nine-county Bay Area should attend to get prepared for the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD)'s zero-NOx rules for space- and water-heating appliances. Prof. Mark Jacobson and Davina Hurt are invited speakers. More details on how to invite your city's representatives will be coming soon. Legislative Updates Here are a few of the bills that we are keeping an eye on during the current legislative session. SB 1073 This bill introduced by Sen. Nancy Skinner, proposes that a state agency may enter into contracts to buy low-carbon forms of cement or concrete products up to 10 years in advance — helping develop and accelerate the commercial market for low-GHG concrete, cement, and similar materials. SB 1497 This is known as the “Polluters Pay Climate Cost Recovery Act.” This bill would authorize the California EPA to put fees on the state’s major fossil fuel polluters to pay for the harm caused to our state’s climate. Those responsible for paying would be entities having emitted more than one billion metric tons CO2-equivalent over 20 years (2000 to 2020), via the extraction, production, and sale of fossil fuels. According to Sen. Menjivar, “similar bills have already been introduced in Congress…. With SB 1497, California has the opportunity to be… the first state to pass this urgent legislation.” SB 1137 This is actually law, not a bill, which was signed by Governor Newsom in 2023. This environmental justice law mandated “no drilling where we’re living” by creating “setbacks” (buffer zones) around oil or gas drilling sites to protect frontline communities from pollution. Specifically, new wells could not be sited within 3,200 ft of homes, schools, parks, hospitals, and similar features. SB 1137 was a big achievement, but is now under attack. The fossil fuel companies have already spent $20 million in an effort to put a referendum on the ballot this November which basically asks CA voters to undo the law. We need your help to combat the misinformation that Big Oil has spread about this issue and help defend vulnerable families who live, work, and play near oil / gas drilling sites. Don’t let Big Oil kill SB 1137. Utility Tax Update / Pass AB 1999. A few weeks ago the CA Public Utilities Commission proposed a regressive, uncapped Utility Tax of $25/month for most ratepayers (CARE/FERA customers excluded) — that’s roughly twice the national average. This proposed monthly fee applies whether or not you use a single kilowatt of energy from the grid, and will unfairly harm everyone who conscientiously conserves energy, has an income just above the CARE/FERA threshold, or lives in smaller homes. The CPUC is trying to soften the blow of the high fee by proposing to lower rates by a small amount — but the cuts essentially restore rates to what they were a couple of years ago, while leaving the monthly fee (and the rates) with plenty of room to grow in future years. Ready to help? Contact your lawmakers. Urge them to stand up to the utilities and support AB 1999. Only the Legislature can stop the Utility Tax, and they need to hear from their constituents. Assembly Bill 1999 will remove the threat of an uncapped Utility Tax. Try this sample phone message: "My name is _____. I live in _____. Please don't be fooled by the CPUC's Utility Tax proposal. It is twice the national average and will increase bills on millions of people who live in apartments, condo, and small homes. It will also penalize people who conserve energy. $25/month will become $80/month before we know it. Please pass AB 1999 and put a lid on the Utility Tax. It's the only way to protect ratepayers like me." |
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| Upgrade Your Home with Peninsula Clean Energy! |
Get a 0% loan up to $10k to make energy efficiency upgrades to your home! Eligible upgrades include:
- Heat pump water heater and/or heat pump for heating & A/C
- Electrical panel upgrades, energy efficiency & weatherization work (e.g. insulation, air sealing).
Learn more here. |
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Acterra's Young Professionals Program |
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| Are you a recent college graduate or emerging professional looking to gain more work experience while also supporting environmental initiatives in the Bay Area? Acterra’s Young Professionals Group is the place for you! Skills you will develop:
- Organization and program management
- Event planning and execution
- Outreach and relationship building
- Gain an exclusive look into how the Board of Directors operates as an invited guest at board meetings (infrequent but an option!)
Requirements:
- Attend twice-monthly meetings
- Attend events as a representative of Acterra, in person within the Bay Area
- Host an annual fundraising event for Acterra’s programs
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If you are interested in this valuable opportunity, please visit this website and fill out the sign-up form! |
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The April 16 EV Financial Incentive Clinic video is now available. Learn about the many financial assistance programs available to income-qualifying residents, including the Clean Cars for All grant and county-specific programs in the San Francisco Bay Area. Watch it now in English, Spanish, Mandarin, or Vietnamese. The April 17 Public Lecture Series/Green Team Network Event - Transforming Climate Anxiety to Climate Action at Work video is now available. Watch ClimateVoice lead a dynamic conversation about how employees can speak up to raise the bar on corporate climate advocacy. Watch it now. |
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Endorsed Events Green City Project presents, in cooperation with the Planet Drum Foundation, Earth Day San Francisco. Find out about the latest developments in green mobility, including electric vehicle companies, and new options for healthy living, whether it be transit, commuting, self-expression, or recreation. There will be hands on activities for everyone, earth friendly product showcase, dynamic speakers, an interactive art wall, and kid’s activities. April 21 from 11 am – 7 pm at The New Farm in San Francisco. Link. Join Fresh Approach for a festive evening celebrating local food and community at their second annual Feast & Flourish Fiesta! Indulge in the flavors of spring with a bountiful spread inspired by the vibrant offerings of our farmers’ markets, From seasonal farm-fresh bites to natural wine tastings, there’s something for everyone to savor. All proceeds from this fundraiser event will support Fresh Approach's on-the-ground programmatic work. April 27 from 5:30 – 8:30 pm at Palo Alto Art Center’s Sculpture Garden. Link. In celebration of Earth Day, Sustainable San Mateo County is joining with eight local organizations including Acterra to host “Youth for Climate Policy,” a free online event designed to engage with youth and four former mayors on how to effectively influence local government leaders towards sustainability and make real change in your community address climate change. Admission is free, but pre-registration is required. April 30 from 5 – 6 pm. Link. Climate Change: What You Can Do. With weekly reports of extreme weather/fire, many ask what they can do to address climate change. Previously taught at Stanford, this FUN, 3-session class explains which actions have greatest impact, so you know wherce to spend your precious time and can turn good intentions into ACTION! Participants learn about: green transportation, saving energy, home electrification, recycling and composting, climate-friendly finances/investing, making dietary changes, impacting policy, and more. Optional goal-setting and group support strengthen class effectiveness. May 1, 8, 15 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at the Palo Alto Adult School. Link. Healthy Homes for All: Expanding Access to Electrification Programs for Renters in San Mateo County. Thrive Alliance presents this two part series that explores the vital role of electrification in promoting home health and sustainability in San Mateo County communities. They will explore the unique barriers that renters face to electrify their homes, highlighting the challenges of developing and implementing electrification programs, and will also identify best practices for fostering landlord-tenant collaboration for a greener, healthier future. May 16 & May 23 from 2:00 – 3:30 pm. Link. |
Acterra has newsletters for everyone. Our offerings include sustainable food, electric vehicles, EV charging equity, young professionals, and more. Click the "Subscribe to our Newsletters" link below and make sure to select each one you want to receive, even if you are already subscribed! |
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