California’s energy crisis in the early 2000s left many people
dealing with rolling blackouts and higher prices. Counties were
left wondering if and how they would be able to provide essential
services to their communities. In response, Ventura County
Supervisor Kathy Long created the Ventura County
Regional Energy Alliance, a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) composed
of public agencies working in collaboration to approach the
availability, reliability, and conservation of energy resources
in the area.
This week San Mateo County was honored at CSAC’s Annual
Conference as the first county to win the full Beacon Award! San
Mateo is new to the Beacon Program this
year, but its leadership in sustainability has been years in the
making. In 2007, the board of supervisors adopted a resolution to
support the US Cool Counties Climate Stabilization Declaration
which set the county on a path to setting goals and monitoring
its success in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Beacon Program, from the Institute for Local Government,
honors local leadership in addressing climate change and
celebrates cities and counties efforts to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, save energy and adopt policies and programs that
promote sustainability.
