Community Resource Project

“The New Horizon: Charting a Course for Building Green Energy Economies”

ACCES Symposium

March 19, 2009

Sacramento, CA

It is imperative to have a common understanding of what is meant by the “green economy”. This clarification is necessary in order to understand why legislative initiatives are important, what industries play a part in the world of green technologies, and what entities might be able to access funding for green initiatives. Identifying the gaps in the infrastructure is important to ensure that a green divide is not inadvertently created.

The goal of this symposium is for you to hear from industry experts from the public and private sector and to actively participate in the discussion. This information will help set the ACCES agenda for national and state energy policy and ensure that our low-income communities are not forgotten as policies move forward, and that our communities continue to stay protected and connected.

Audience: 44 agencies (CAP or 501c3) within ACCES, and invited guests

Panel One: “Avoiding the Green Divide”

This first panel discussed the status of green legislation and implications for low-income families as policies are developed with an emphasis on ensuring that no one is excluded from emerging green economies now and in the future.

ACCES KEMA - Kathleen Gaffney

KEMA highlighted on the design and availability of new technologies for the low-income community. This presentation drew on the research completed in the CPUC’s recent low income needs assessment study, as well as more recent energy efficiency plans and proposals targeting California’s low income population.

ACCES CalSEIA - SueKateley

CalSeia looked at the overall intentions and results of policy makers and utilities, highlighting where the strengths and weaknesses lie
ACCES Department of Energy - Carole Gates

Carole Gates gave a summary of the DOE portion of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and how it may Impact California. Furthermore, Carole Gates summarized key components of the Act, estimated funding to California, estimated weatherization jobs, and potential opportunities for new technologies or strategies in the Weatherization Assistance Program.
ACCES California Department of Community Services and Development- Renee Webster Hawkins

The mission of the California Department of Community Services & Development is to administer and enhance energy and community service programs that result in an improved quality of life for the low-income population.
California Air Resources Board, Jerry Hart – Confirmed

“Turning the Scoping Plan Into Action: Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction and the Green Economy”
ACCES The Verde Group- Rafael Aguilera

Avoiding the Green Divide, or "eco-underclass": The lessons learned from existing energy and environmental programs.

Panel Two: “Working Green”

This second panel addressed emerging green workforce initiatives that will be available for businesses, for job creation, and services for the low income community.

California Workforce Investment Board, “Green-Collar Jobs Council”- Ken Quesada (Speaker)

Ken Quesada spoke to the California Workforce Investment Board’s (CWIB) State level role in workforce development (emphasizing a convening and “brokering” role), and then focused on the work of the Green Collar Job’s Council. Emphasizing the need to have strong coordination to make the best/most of the Eco- Stimulus and workforce dollars that are available, and how important partnerships are in this process.

California Community Colleges, Workforce Development Programs -Jose Millan (Speaker)

CCC outlined the impacts the increased stimulus allocation would provide to the community colleges, specifically those in the green workforce with emphasis on solar energy.

ACCES California Public Utilities Commission - Këri Bolding

The CPUC discussed existing and planned Workforce Education and Training (WE&T) programs and efforts across the state, focused on energy efficiency/clean energy and facilitated by regulated utilities. They addressed proactive steps to ensure that minority, low income and disadvantaged communities fully participate in training and education programs at all levels of the DSM and energy efficiency industry.

ACCES California Energy Commission- Panama Bartholomy

Panama Bartholomy spoke to the current Energy Commission activities, with specific focus on the area of workforce development.

Closing Panel: “Where Do We Go From Here?”

This panel highlighted main points made from previous panelists to reach a general consensus of strategic ideas that would be reflected in a white paper.

Panelists include:

ACCES Panel Members

Arleen Novotney – ACCES, Executive Director (Speaker)

Dennis Osmer – Central Coast Energy Services, Executive Director (Speaker)

Val Martinez – Redwood Community Action Agency, Executive Director (Speaker)

Ed Ocampo – Maravilla Foundation, Chief Financial Officer (Speaker)

Conference Packet Materials

Mission & Projected Goals

Member Organizations

Panelist Descriptions

ACCES White Paper Scoping Plan

Additional Conference Materials Provided