E2 Sacramento Advocacy Trip 2016: Supporting the Extension of California’s Key Climate Legislation
On February 3, 2016, twelve E2 members traveled to Sacramento for an Advocacy Day early in the legislative session. The objective of the day was to express support for Senate Bill 32 (SB 32), which builds on the foundation established by AB 32 and puts into law a 2030 statewide greenhouse gas reduction target of 40 percent below 1990 emission levels. Over the course of the day, E2 members communicated to thirty legislative offices that SB 32 will continue to drive California’s clean economy and climate leadership, and help businesses in turn.
Our day started with a breakfast discussion with the Honorable Senator Fran Pavley, author of SB 32. Senator Pavley discussed the importance of business voices in advocating for climate policies, and the vital cleantech innovation that legislation like SB 32 creates.
Four groups of E2 members then visited thirty legislative offices for the duration of the day. Echoing Senator Pavley’s points, E2 members communicated to offices the strong market signal and innovation that would stem from passing SB 32. Members urged that California can then retain its competitive advantage, fund growing clean energy jobs, and continue to fund disadvantaged communities with a portion of cap and trade revenue.
We wish to thank the E2 members from across the state of California who represented E2 so effectively in Sacramento: Laura Berland-Shane, Cleantech Business Development Consultant; Tony Bernhardt, E2 Northern California Chapter Director; Maureen Blanc, Director of CHARGE ACROSS TOWN; Barbara Brenner Buder, Retired CFO; Ward Hendon, Cofounder of Axiom Legal; Neil Koehler, President and CEO of Pacific Ethanol; Nicole Lederer, Chair and Co-Founder of E2; John Montgomery, Chairman of Montgomery & Hansen; Jon Slangerup, CEO of Port of Long Beach; Trey Teall, Biodico VP Operations; Thomas Van Dyck, Vice President of RBC Wealth Management; Daniel Yost, Partner, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP.