Blog
A space for learning.
Michel Saint-Sulpice: A Man in Love—With Gaia
Would you like to meet a truly Happy Warrior? Meet Michel Saint-Sulpice! Michel is the embodiment of an environmental steward.
Federal and State Climate Policy Wins Bolster Local Action
2022 has been an unprecedented year for climate progress, with a dizzying number of new California laws set to transform markets for all-electric vehicles and clean energy, and catalyze climate justice efforts.
National Climate Progress Takes Local Climate Action
The two of us have joined forces with many others in our community on a clear mission. We are running a race to protect a fundamental aspect of life on earth: a safe livable climate.
Get Charged: Everything You Need to Drive Electric
As extremely high gas prices make electric vehicles (EVs) even more appealing, California is once again accelerating the green energy transition. In August 2022, the California Air Resources Board issued a historic rule that bans the sale of new gas-powered cars starting in 2035. This bold action by the largest auto market in the United States will drive innovation that ripples out to other states and beyond.
2022 All-Electric REACH Code FAQ
The following FAQ on all-electric REACH Codes is an updated version (as of September 2022) of a post published in February of 2020.
John Steed: A Deep Sense of Obligation to Future Generations
Among the Community Environmental Council’s (CEC) most devoted supporters is John Steed, who views CEC as a “vital, creative, and practical catalyst for helping us live high-quality lives in harmony with our environment, preserving one of our planet’s most diverse biomes, and leaving the legacy of a livable world for our grandchildren.”
Legislature Takes Bold Action, Bolstering CEC’s Work To Reverse Climate Change on California’s Central Coast
The Community Environmental Council applauds the California Legislature for passing a range of impressive climate bills last night.
Jessica McLernon: It's About the Future of Our Children
"A healthy and habitable planet is the best legacy we can leave for our children." This is how Jessica McLernon sums up a guiding motif in her life. She was first attracted to the Community Environmental Council (CEC) because of our organization's 50-year history of successful programs and actions to protect the environment. What she really loves most, however, is CEC's focus on the future through its unwavering commitment to fighting climate change.
Flipping the Switch to Electric: Carpinteria Couple Is All-In to Build Smart
“Our intention has always been to build and live as sustainably as we can, keeping climate impacts at the forefront. We’ve got this amazing opportunity and it definitely feels like partly our responsibility – and duty – to do so,” says Hunter Turpin about the new all-electric home he and his wife Casey are building.
Community Environmental Council CEO/Executive Director shares her reaction to President Joe Biden's signing of the Inflation Reduction Act into law:
"Today is a good day for the planet and a time for all of our fellow climate activists to CELEBRATE. The President has signed into law the largest single investment in combating climate change EVER.”
A New Initiative Will Create Neighborhood Resilience Hubs to Serve Vulnerable Populations
Imagine your community is impacted by the next wildfire that starts in our region. Maybe your home is in close proximity to the flames, or the smoke and ash from the fire drifts to your doorstep. How will you respond? Will you have the supplies you need? Will you know when or where to evacuate to? If you lose power, how will you prepare food, stay cool, or run air purifiers? What if you have a neighbor who needs help? By sharing information and resources, residents can be empowered to support each other and build community resilience in the face of wildfires, earthquakes, extreme heat, and other natural disasters.
North County Climate Steward Christina Hernandez Inspires Climate Action through Connection
Recent Community Environmental Council (CEC) UC Climate Steward graduate Christina Hernandez is a lifelong resident of the small coastal city of Guadalupe in North Santa Barbara County. A social and environmental justice advocate for over 10 years, she is driven by a deep love of her community and the desire to help her fellow residents connect with nature, access critical resources and support, and participate in building a healthy and resilient region. Christina fills many key roles in her community, including as a member of the Santa Barbara County Equity Advisory and Outreach Committee, a board member at Los Amigos de Guadalupe, and the Community Outreach Coordinator at the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center.
We spoke with Christina about how CEC’s UC Climate Stewards program helped deepen her community engagement around climate change and nature conservation, and what she envisions for the future of Guadalupe.
Plastic Pollution Solutions
Only five percent of our nation’s plastic waste was recycled in 2021, according to the Department of Energy. This dismal statistic underscores the growing failure of recycling to keep up with the growing volume of plastic trash.
This webinar covers plastics – recycling, reduction, and policy – focusing on local and state efforts to reduce waste. Viewers will be empowered to take immediate, collective action.
Lee Heller: Champion of the Environment and the Welfare of All Creatures
Few people are as passionate about the health of our natural environment — and the welfare of both animals and people — as Lee Heller. And few are as ready as she is to back up their passion with action, advocacy, and material support.
Statement from CEC CEO/Executive Director Sigrid Wright on Today’s Supreme Court Ruling
In response to today’s Supreme Court ruling on the Environmental Protection Agency's ability to broadly regulate carbon emissions from existing power plants, Community Environmental Council CEO/Executive Director, Sigrid Wright released the following statement: