Projects / Activities

Committed to Improving the Quality of Life in the Valley through Greater Use of Clean Energy

 

The San Joaquin Valley Clean Energy Organization (SJVCEO) is dedicated to helping the eight county region of the San Joaquin Valley significantly increase its use and reliance on clean energy (that is, energy efficiency and renewable energy sources).  A key strength of the organization is our large and diverse Board, which contains senior representatives from Federal, State, regional and local governments, the private sector, utilities, nonprofits and colleges and universities from all counties in the region (see below).  Our Board has a strong united vision for a clean energy future for the region. Another source of our strength is our close working relationship with the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley -- an unprecedented public/private partnership focused on improving the region's quality of life.  The mission of the SJVCEO is to build upon existing efforts and serve as a trusted resource on clean energy for San Joaquin Valley businesses, consumers, nonprofits and local governments. The SJVCEO accomplishes this by providing regional clean energy planning; information and expertise on current clean energy programs and resources; an independent source of clean energy advocacy and education; and technical support to develop and implement clean energy projects.

 

To significantly increase the level of clean energy activities in the Valley, the SJVCEO has established four priority areas of focus and is supporting work to:

  • Help "green" the 62 cities and eight counties in the Valley

  • Increase production of fuels from renewable sources

  • Ensure that future electric power needs in the Valley are met through renewable resources

  • Support and help grow a "green" energy workforce in the Valley

The SJVCEO has accomplished a great deal since it began operation in 2007.  This includes:

 

Partnerships and Projects

Visalia, California

Greenhouse Gas Emissions. In July 2008, SJVCEO joined a team effort with the city of Visalia to develop a green house gas  emissions baseline for the City. SJVCEO will continue to work with the City and support its efforts to develop reduction targets and a climate action plan for reducing emissions.  We will encourage the remaining 61 cities in the Valley to undertake similar efforts.

City Memorandum of Understanding. In late 2007, the SJVCEO and the city of Visalia developed and signed a memorandum of understanding to help support the City's efforts to increase levels of clean energy investments and to create a model city program. Members of the Visalia city council sent the California Partnership a letter formally supporting this partnership.

Arvin, California

Greening Arvin. In September 2008, Valley CAN approved a grant in the amount of $46,000 to the SJVCEO to help the city of Arvin develop and implement clean energy policies and projects. We have implemented the REACON business model, in partnership with the Stockton Chamber of Commerce to identify resource saving opportunities for local businesses. SJVCEO has been working with different partners on this project including Pacific Gas and Electric Co., Southern California Gas, the Kern Council of Governments and Chevron.

Avenal and Taft, California

Avenal and Taft Projects. The SJVCEO has initiated discussion with the cities of Avenal and Taft on implementing clean energy   projects. Taft is interested in using renewables to meet future growth needs. Avenal is interested in developing joint projects     between the city and Avenal State Prison, to increase their energy efficiency, use of biofuels and power produced from renewable sources and to implement green workforce development projects. In August 2008, SJVCEO took part in a kick-off meeting with  Avenal representatives at Avenal State Prison.

Tulare County, California

Energy Leadership Partnership. SJVCEO submitted an energy partnership proposal with Visalia that was selected to receive Energy Leadership Partnership award from Southern California Edison and Southern California Gas Company, for the period of 2009-2011. This project will include all cities in Tulare County, as well as the county government. Pacific Gas and Electric Co. has also decided to be part of this project. This is the first partnership of its type in this area of the San Joaquin Valley.

Fresno, California

Southeast Growth Area (SEGA). SJVCEO provided technical advice and input to develop green energy features for the planned development of SEGA in areas just outside the current borders of Fresno. We also participated in a planning meeting held on June 10, 2008, at the Fresno Convention Center, to gain stakeholder input on types of assistance needed to create green efforts in this area.