Climate Policy

CEC spent 10-plus years tracking, helping improve, and advocating for the Strauss Wind Farm, which opened near Lompoc this year with 27 wind turbines, generating enough electricity for 36,000 homes.
Photo by BayWa r.e.

OUR VISION

CEC collaborates with a diverse group of passionate and committed community members and partners to enact bold policies that bring equitable climate solutions to scale. When the California Central Coast advances ambitious climate goals and solutions, we illuminate a path for more aggressive policies across the state.

In 2023, CEC:

Scaled up environmental advocacy across city councils, boards of supervisors, and legislative bodies by engaging CEC Climate Activists to support climate policies in their communities.

Successfully campaigned for the City of Port Hueneme and County of San Luis Obispo to join community choice energy programs, bringing the total number of Central Coast residents who have access to clean energy to nearly 1.5 million. CEC is part of a coalition that pushed Central Coast Community Energy to adopt project selection criteria that incorporates strong labor and environmental justice standards
that serve as a model for other community choice energy programs.

Introduced an ecological framework for revitalizing downtown Santa Barbara to guide future development and ensure the well-being of residents and our environment.

Recruited more than 100 CEC Climate Activists from San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties who will be alerted about action opportunities they can take in their communities.

What’s Ahead

Advocate for the City and County of Santa Barbara and the cities of Guadalupe and Camarillo to adopt ambitious climate action plans that accelerate state mandates and timelines for reaching zero-carbon goals.

Help advance strong climate policy by signing up to receive alerts when there is an opportunity for action in your city or county.

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Participate in a public meeting to share how decisions are impacting you and your community

Send emails to elected officials to share concerns for or against a policy they are considering

Share opportunities for action with your friends, family, and neighbors

Learn what language services are provided by local governments on the Central Coast

ACTION ALERTS

CEC advocates for carbon neutrality and associated targets that go beyond state goals.

In 2023, CEC took 58 policy actions, including writing 9 public comment letters and speaking at fifteen council meetings of local cities and counties. CEC also took action on fifteen state bills, and one federal rulemaking.