Local Clean Energy Alliance of the Bay Area

On Wednesday, March 15th, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) voted to pass regulation on phasing out gas water and space heating appliances by 2027 and 2029 respectively. These appliances release NOx (nitrogen oxides) which contribute to particulate matter and greatly affect air quality. The Local Clean Energy Alliance, along with several other community based organizations, has been active in the pre-implementation working group held by Emerald Cities Collaborative in order to advocate for equitable implementation of this rule. There are still several active concerns!

On Tuesday March 7th, 2023, Local Clean Energy Alliance joined Reclaim Our Power (ROP) coalition members in protesting outside of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) San Ramon Conference Center. PG&E was holding a conference with Governor Gavin Newsom and his regulators in discussion about wildfire mitigation. The governor’s regulators have time and time again made excuses for the destruction that PG&E has caused, instead of actually holding them accountable.

To find out, check out this article What’s Going on with California’s Rooftop Solar Battle published in Non-profit Quarterly in February 2023.  The article mentions the work of the Local Clean Energy Alliance and quotes LCEA’s lead organizer, Jessica Tovar.

See also the article What Did California Miss with Its Recent Slashing of a Key Solar Incentive? published in Non-Profit Quarterly in March 2023.

(01/2023) Just as rooftop solar has begun to become accessible for medium and low income communities, Net Energy Metering 3.0, passed in December of 2022, has destroyed any chance of solar staying financially feasible. For anyone attempting to install solar after April 15, 2023, solar credits will be cut to 25% of the NEM 2.0 rate, while the grandfathering clause ensures that anyone who already has a solar system will continue to get the higher rate.

However, there is still hope! The Center for Biological Diversity has appealed the CPUC’s unanimous decision to slash rooftop solar benefits and side with the utilities. The appeal focuses on statutory mandates of the CPUC that this decision violates and legal errors.

The Local Clean Energy Alliance (LCEA) team was very busy throughout last year fighting the bad, and advancing the good that is centered in energy equity and the needs of people. We were part of a fierce fight to defend local solar incentives in California, holding East Bay Community Energy accountable to the community they serve, fighting for an equitable path to home electrification, and working with young people to foster the next generation of energy democracy warriors. We need you; your action and your support to meet our fundraising goals to continue this fight.

(12/2022) On December 15th, Governor Newsom’s California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will likely vote on a utility-backed proposal that would effectively kill rooftop and community solar, while jeopardizing the state’s clean energy and environmental justice goals. You can learn more watching this short video: https:ww.facebook.com/watch/?v=653751152888776

(11/2022) In advance of Giving Tuesday make your donation to the Energy Democracy winning team: Local Clean Energy Alliance.

DONATE HERE

Wednesday, November 16, 2022
5:00pm to 6:00pm
Discussion of the extractive, centralized energy systems in Puerto Rico and Richmond, California, and how communities have been affected.

Please join and support this youth led webinar hosted by our Rising Sun Youth Externs; AJ with the Local Clean Energy Alliance and Jayden with People Powered Solar. Learn more about the struggle for energy democracy in Puerto Rico and Richmond, California. 

(11/2022) Reclaim Our Power (ROP) is currently in search of both an Operations Manager (20 hours/week) and a Fundraiser (10 hours/week). These can be either two separate part-time positions, or a single full-time position (30 hours/week) depending on relevant skills, time, and interest of applicants. Pay ranges from $30-$50/hour depending on experience. It is based in Oakland, though much of the work is remote.

ROP is looking looking for responses by 11/15.

(10/2022) At the East Bay Community Energy (EBCE) Executive Committee meeting on Friday, October 28 at 12 Noon, agency staff will present a proposal entitled Health-E Communities Partnership. This $15 million dollar proposal is very different than an earlier proposal in May that would have given that amount to UCSF Benioff Chldren's Hospital. The current proposal clearly shows the impact of community pushback and aligns much more with the mission of the public energy agency. Thanks to all who have advocated for change, your input has made a difference!