April 2007

Cities produce massive amounts of pollution and waste, but, as any environmentalist will attest, they also hold the key to efficient, stustainable living. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has pledged to incorporate an environmental ethnic into every possible facet of city life, and Los Angeles’ Deputy Mayor for Energy and the Environment, Nancy Sutley, is spearheading these efforts within the Villaraigosa administration.

The Inland Empire Utilities Agency has adopted an aggressive agenda to conserve, recycle, and innovate on behalf of its customers on the western edge of the Inland Empire, which is one of the fastest growing regions in the Western United States.

With the goal of generating 20 percent of its power from renewable sources by 2010, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has been investing in new technologies and forming partnerships across the West to bring green power to L.A.’s homes and businesses.

A significant portion of California’s pollution emanates from power plants. Whereas the pollution caused by the habits of millions of drivers may be slow to improve, power plants and other utilities have already begun to face the scrutiny of the green policies of the Public Utilities Commission.

Shipping industry giant Maersk Line, operator of the Port of L.A.’s largest terminal, has accepted a degree of responsibility for the pollution surrounding its ports of call and has implemented voluntary measures to clean its ships that call on California.

Long Beach City Councilmember Bonnie Lowenthal has served on the front lines of the battles over goods movement and pollution. In this VerdeXchange News interview she discusses the state bond’s promise for easing the impact of pollution on her constituents in Long Beach and neighboring port communities.

Befitting its status as the world’s seventh-largest economy, California joined many of its global peers when it adopted AB 32, which will compel California to reduce the carbon emissions that lead to global warming. VerdeXchange was pleased to discuss AB 32’s unique regulatory/market approach with Linda Adams, secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency.

AB 32, California’s landmark greenhouse gas law, was signed last November, but many years will pass before it takes effect and begins to contribute to a cleaner environment. VerdeXchange News was pleased to discuss AB 32's crucial early implementation efforts with Gov. Schwarzenegger’s Deputy Chief of Staff and Cabinet Secretary Dan Dunmoyer.VerdeXchange News was pleased to discuss AB 32's crucial early implementation efforts with Gov. Schwarzenegger’s Deputy Chief of Staff and Cabinet Secretary Dan Dunmoyer.

Just as cities in undeveloped countries face daunting urban and environmental challenges, so do they give rise to remarkable, unexpected solutions. Focusing on improved public transit and public spaces, Mayor Enrique Peñalosa transformed Bogotá, Columbia, into a more pleasant, safe, and sustainable city.