Thanks for listening to the latest episode of Delta Dispatchers with hosts Simone Maloz & Jacques Hebert. On this week's episode of Delta Dispatches, Simone and Jacques discuss how the 2017 Coastal Master Plan becomes law and the economic case for recovery.  In the first two segments Simone has Rep. Jerome "Zee" Zeringue (R – District 52) about his time as the chairman and executive director of the CPRA. Zee provides insights into the Louisiana legislature and the next steps for the master ...

Read The Full Story

The post Delta Dispatches: The Louisiana Legislature & the Economic Case for Restoration appeared first on Restore the Mississippi River Delta.

Thanks for listening to the latest episode of Delta Dispatchers with hosts Simone Maloz & Jacques Hebert. On this week's episode of Delta Dispatches, Simone and Jacques discuss how the 2017 Coastal Master Plan becomes law and the economic case for recovery.  In the first two segments Simone has Rep. Jerome "Zee" Zeringue (R – District 52) about his time as the chairman and executive director of the CPRA. Zee provides insights into the Louisiana legislature and the next steps for the master ...

Read The Full Story

The post Delta Dispatches: The Louisiana Legislature & the Economic Case for Restoration appeared first on Restore the Mississippi River Delta.

Last night, U.S congressional leaders released a $1-trillion omnibus spending bill to fund the federal government through the end of September. Congress is expected to approve the bill later this week. While the omnibus bill includes spending for numerous federal programs, of note for Louisiana is the inclusion of dedicated funding for the Louisiana Coastal Area (LCA) program. The bill includes $9 million for the LCA Beneficial Use of Dredged Materials (BUD Mat) program and $550,000 for LCA general investigations. ...

Read The Full Story

The post Louisiana Coastal Area Funding Included in Omnibus Spending Bill appeared first on Restore the Mississippi River Delta.

Last night, U.S congressional leaders released a $1-trillion omnibus spending bill to fund the federal government through the end of September. Congress is expected to approve the bill later this week. While the omnibus bill includes spending for numerous federal programs, of note for Louisiana is the inclusion of dedicated funding for the Louisiana Coastal Area (LCA) program. The bill includes $9 million for the LCA Beneficial Use of Dredged Materials (BUD Mat) program and $550,000 for LCA general investigations. ...

Read The Full Story

The post Louisiana Coastal Area Funding Included in Omnibus Spending Bill appeared first on Restore the Mississippi River Delta.

Last night, U.S congressional leaders released a $1-trillion omnibus spending bill to fund the federal government through the end of September. Congress is expected to approve the bill later this week. While the omnibus bill includes spending for numerous federal programs, of note for Louisiana is the inclusion of dedicated funding for the Louisiana Coastal Area (LCA) program. The bill includes $9 million for the LCA Beneficial Use of Dredged Materials (BUD Mat) program and $550,000 for LCA general investigations. ...

Read The Full Story

The post Louisiana Coastal Area Funding Included in Omnibus Spending Bill appeared first on Restore the Mississippi River Delta.

Written by Moms Clean Air Force

“DO NOT PLAY IN THE DIRT OR AROUND THE MULCH” ~ EPA

This was written by Kelly Nichols, Moms Clean Air Force Midwest Field Organizer: 

When you think of lead poisoning, what comes to mind? It’s probably Flint, Michigan. After Flint, many communities started testing for lead contamination. Often, where there’s a large amount of contamination, lower-income families are the victims.

East Chicago’s Toxic Superfund Site

One of these communities is East Chicago, Indiana, an industrial town where a three-zoned area is situated on top of a Superfund site that used to be home to a lead smelter. According to Think Progress: “For years, the city and EPA hassled over the best way to clean up the contaminated site, and waited for the past owners of U.S.S. Lead’s property to settle on a federal lawsuit that would help fund the Superfund cleanup. No one informed residents of the dangerous lead levels.”

This is a community where “environmental injustice” runs rampant. EENEWS reports, East Chicago is a “textbook example of an environmental justice low-income community of color.” Now, residents of East Chicago, a predominately African-American city of 100,00, are being asked to move from their homes, and parents are worried that lead has already poisoned their families.

Now the fight in East Chicago has become organized, as community members are putting this pollution issue on the national radar to garner the attention it deserves. The Community Strategy Group is a grassroots organization whose members and residents have the biggest stake in the battle. Thomas Frank, a member of the steering committee from the Community Strategy Group, told me that of the 3143 counties in the U.S., Lake County, Indiana, is one of the top 15 most polluted counties. “It’s the number 2 or 3 contributor to the Chicago airshed.” The EPA describes an airshed as, “the volume of air receiving emissions which predominantly affects a specific watershed or catchment.”

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt Visits East Chicago

Scott Pruitt came to East Chicago on April 19th to meet with elected officials to talk about the lead and arsenic pollution. Thomas was in the room with Pruitt when the residents (of which only an additional 3 were invited to attend the session), brought their concerns to Pruitt. Thomas told me that Pruitt didn’t respond to specific concerns about the Superfund site – he made no commitments, gave no timelines, earmarked no resources for the thousands of residents impacted by the pollution.

An East Chicago Moms Want Answers

Tara Adams

I spoke with one of the residents, Tara Adams, about the impact of pollution on this community and on her life. Tara, who has been living in the housing complex in Zone 1, which is the most polluted portion of the Superfund site – directly where the smelting operation sat – is one of the residents being required to relocate.

Here’s an excerpt from our conversation:

Tara, how do you feel about being asked to move from your home?

At first, I was optimistic – I always give people a chance. Maybe this could be an opportunity for us to go where we want to go, or to do something different – go to a better place, a better school? As time went by, it got more and more discouraging. The EPA and city officials said  they’ll help, but help was not there. The care was not there. I began to get angry, and disappointed. Disappointed because I’m a life-long resident of 40 years. I thought, “You’re treating me like crap. You guys don’t show respect.”

When you found out just how bad the pollution was at the Superfund site, what were your thoughts, and what do you hope the EPA will do to help?

My first thought was, let me go investigate. I’m a researcher, I like to try to find out as much information as I can.

I asked EPA when they first came here, “How is it my house is sitting on top of lead but you’re just cleaning the open areas between houses? The contaminated trees, bushes and flowers are still left. So how is it really clean?”

What do you think would be the best outcome?

I’d like to see people compensated for their losses and future losses. I want the community to be better educated so they realize what is at stake. I want it suitable for people – and we are people. I need everyone to know that we are people. We care about our families and each other just as much as anyone else does.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I really love where I live. I love the people here. We have some downfalls, don’t get me wrong. But the heart? You can’t beat a heart like this. You just can’t.

TELL CONGRESS: PROTECT EPA

Today Senator Bob Wieckowski, supported by Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, proposed what amounts to a complete overhaul of California’s cap-and-trade program after 2020 in amendments to SB 775. Pro Tem de Leon in particular has been a tireless champion of effective climate policies that are benefiting California’s communities and making the state […]

Today Senator Bob Wieckowski, supported by Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, proposed what amounts to a complete overhaul of California’s cap-and-trade program after 2020 in amendments to SB 775. Pro Tem de Leon in particular has been a tireless champion of effective climate policies that are benefiting California’s communities and making the state […]

The post California’s cap-and-trade program doesn’t need an overhaul appeared first on Climate 411.

#OurCoast is an ongoing project by Restore the Mississippi River Delta to document the various ways the Mississippi River Delta has made an impact in the lives of Louisianians and others. “We depend upon our coast and our coast depends on us” –Governor John Bel Edwards This statement could not ring more true as a representation of my childhood and adolescent experiences that have streamlined my career path and shaped the person I am today. I grew up in Vermilion ...

Read The Full Story

The post #OurCoast: Growing Up on the Working Coast appeared first on Restore the Mississippi River Delta.

#OurCoast is an ongoing project by Restore the Mississippi River Delta to document the various ways the Mississippi River Delta has made an impact in the lives of Louisianians and others. “We depend upon our coast and our coast depends on us” –Governor John Bel Edwards This statement could not ring more true as a representation of my childhood and adolescent experiences that have streamlined my career path and shaped the person I am today. I grew up in Vermilion ...

Read The Full Story

The post #OurCoast: Growing Up on the Working Coast appeared first on Restore the Mississippi River Delta.

#OurCoast is an ongoing project by Restore the Mississippi River Delta to document the various ways the Mississippi River Delta has made an impact in the lives of Louisianians and others. “We depend upon our coast and our coast depends on us” –Governor John Bel Edwards This statement could not ring more true as a representation of my childhood and adolescent experiences that have streamlined my career path and shaped the person I am today. I grew up in Vermilion ...

Read The Full Story

The post #OurCoast: Growing Up on the Working Coast appeared first on Restore the Mississippi River Delta.

By Lauren Navarro

California is a leader, and has earned that title – it is the largest state economy in the U.S. and the sixth-largest economy in the world.  Forward-thinking clean energy policies are the backbone of California’s prosperity, creating jobs and businesses for the state while cutting emissions. While the presidential administration assaults critical environmental protections nationwide, clean energy momentum is California’s leadership is committed and poised to move forward.

Energy policy drives economic growth

Most energy policy is done at the state level, reflecting that energy management is a fundamental concern for local residents and their livelihoods. How we make, move, and use power can create jobs and protect citizens’ rights to clean air and energy choice. The following bills currently in front of the California State Legislature illuminate the state’s path forward:

• SB 584 (De Leon) – This bill proposes increasing our current Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) – a requirement that utilities meet half of sales with clean, renewable energy sources – to 100 percent. While the means are still being determined, the ambitious spirit of 100 percent is clear. As California’s leaders consider how best to reach a 100 percent renewable energy goal, they should consider investing in and developing a variety of clean energy options that can ensure the grid stays clean, balanced, and reliable.
• SB 356 (Skinner) – This bill increase access to data about the whole energy system. Information makes it easier for businesses to develop and deploy new clean energy technologies and help bring clean-tech jobs to the forefront of our economy. It also ensures the state will have important information about the energy use of its buildings and properties.
• AB 726 (Holden) – This bill takes advantage of smart meter technologies by requiring utilities to notify customers before their bills get too high, thereby avoiding “unpleasant surprises.” Through this increase in information, customers can become more active participants in their energy usage and reduce their costs.
• SB 366 (Leyva) – SB 366 helps ensure all our communities are able to take part in the clean energy revolution and reap the benefits of lower electricity costs and cleaner air. Specifically, it clears the way for community solar projects in disadvantaged communities and supports well-paying green-collar jobs through local training programs. Unlocking community solar is a key to helping communities overcome physical and economic barriers (like not owning your home or not being able to afford the upfront costs of solar) to accessing clean energy.
• AB 1431 (Arambula) – AB 1431 will increase access and participation in energy efficiency, weatherization, and renewable energy programs for low-income, disadvantaged communities. It creates a comprehensive database to track program participation and a working group in which state agencies and stakeholders can exchange views on how to make these programs better and increase participation. This combination of data and dialogue will allow for a comprehensive analysis of all related state clean energy efforts.

In some ways, how we bring these resources onto the grid is as important as the resources themselves.

Big, bold benefits of renewable integration

Not only do renewables create clean-economy benefits, so does renewable integration. In some ways, how we bring these resources onto the grid is as important as the resources themselves. A thoughtful approach to incorporating increasing levels of renewables includes establishing a strong, diverse portfolio of clean energy resources.

California’s clean-energy leadership continues
Click To Tweet

Each solution has environmental and economic benefits, and each works hand in hand with the RPS to create a totally clean energy system – functioning like two sides of the same coin. In California, we can and should develop clean technologies that will “back up” renewable generation, like automated demand response, time-of-use rates, and electricity storage, including the use of electric vehicle as batteries.  It also means looking beyond California’s borders and considering how the state can best sell our excess clean energy when we don’t need it, like our abundant midday solar, and buy cheap, clean energy from other states when the sun isn’t shining.

California clean-energy leadership continues

California is working hard to create an economy that runs fully on clean, renewable resources. That’s why our legislators should pursue these innovative policies. We know this action is more important now than ever. And no one is more ready to demonstrate how clean energy policy can be an economic boon than California.

Photo source: iStock/halbergman

California is a leader, and has earned that title – it is the largest state economy in the U.S. and the sixth-largest economy in the world.  Forward-thinking clean energy policies are the backbone of California’s prosperity, creating jobs and businesses for the state while cutting emissions. While the presidential administration assaults critical environmental protections nationwide, […]

By Lauren Navarro

California is a leader, and has earned that title – it is the largest state economy in the U.S. and the sixth-largest economy in the world.  Forward-thinking clean energy policies are the backbone of California’s prosperity, creating jobs and businesses for the state while cutting emissions. While the presidential administration assaults critical environmental protections nationwide, clean energy momentum is California’s leadership is committed and poised to move forward.

Energy policy drives economic growth

Most energy policy is done at the state level, reflecting that energy management is a fundamental concern for local residents and their livelihoods. How we make, move, and use power can create jobs and protect citizens’ rights to clean air and energy choice. The following bills currently in front of the California State Legislature illuminate the state’s path forward:

• SB 584 (De Leon) – This bill proposes increasing our current Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) – a requirement that utilities meet half of sales with clean, renewable energy sources – to 100 percent. While the means are still being determined, the ambitious spirit of 100 percent is clear. As California’s leaders consider how best to reach a 100 percent renewable energy goal, they should consider investing in and developing a variety of clean energy options that can ensure the grid stays clean, balanced, and reliable.
• SB 356 (Skinner) – This bill increase access to data about the whole energy system. Information makes it easier for businesses to develop and deploy new clean energy technologies and help bring clean-tech jobs to the forefront of our economy. It also ensures the state will have important information about the energy use of its buildings and properties.
• AB 726 (Holden) – This bill takes advantage of smart meter technologies by requiring utilities to notify customers before their bills get too high, thereby avoiding “unpleasant surprises.” Through this increase in information, customers can become more active participants in their energy usage and reduce their costs.
• SB 366 (Leyva) – SB 366 helps ensure all our communities are able to take part in the clean energy revolution and reap the benefits of lower electricity costs and cleaner air. Specifically, it clears the way for community solar projects in disadvantaged communities and supports well-paying green-collar jobs through local training programs. Unlocking community solar is a key to helping communities overcome physical and economic barriers (like not owning your home or not being able to afford the upfront costs of solar) to accessing clean energy.
• AB 1431 (Arambula) – AB 1431 will increase access and participation in energy efficiency, weatherization, and renewable energy programs for low-income, disadvantaged communities. It creates a comprehensive database to track program participation and a working group in which state agencies and stakeholders can exchange views on how to make these programs better and increase participation. This combination of data and dialogue will allow for a comprehensive analysis of all related state clean energy efforts.

In some ways, how we bring these resources onto the grid is as important as the resources themselves.

Big, bold benefits of renewable integration

Not only do renewables create clean-economy benefits, so does renewable integration. In some ways, how we bring these resources onto the grid is as important as the resources themselves. A thoughtful approach to incorporating increasing levels of renewables includes establishing a strong, diverse portfolio of clean energy resources.

California’s clean-energy leadership continues
Click To Tweet

Each solution has environmental and economic benefits, and each works hand in hand with the RPS to create a totally clean energy system – functioning like two sides of the same coin. In California, we can and should develop clean technologies that will “back up” renewable generation, like automated demand response, time-of-use rates, and electricity storage, including the use of electric vehicle as batteries.  It also means looking beyond California’s borders and considering how the state can best sell our excess clean energy when we don’t need it, like our abundant midday solar, and buy cheap, clean energy from other states when the sun isn’t shining.

California clean-energy leadership continues

California is working hard to create an economy that runs fully on clean, renewable resources. That’s why our legislators should pursue these innovative policies. We know this action is more important now than ever. And no one is more ready to demonstrate how clean energy policy can be an economic boon than California.

Photo source: iStock/halbergman

By Lauren Navarro

California is a leader, and has earned that title – it is the largest state economy in the U.S. and the sixth-largest economy in the world.  Forward-thinking clean energy policies are the backbone of California’s prosperity, creating jobs and businesses for the state while cutting emissions. While the presidential administration assaults critical environmental protections nationwide, clean energy momentum is California’s leadership is committed and poised to move forward.

Energy policy drives economic growth

Most energy policy is done at the state level, reflecting that energy management is a fundamental concern for local residents and their livelihoods. How we make, move, and use power can create jobs and protect citizens’ rights to clean air and energy choice. The following bills currently in front of the California State Legislature illuminate the state’s path forward:

• SB 584 (De Leon) – This bill proposes increasing our current Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) – a requirement that utilities meet half of sales with clean, renewable energy sources – to 100 percent. While the means are still being determined, the ambitious spirit of 100 percent is clear. As California’s leaders consider how best to reach a 100 percent renewable energy goal, they should consider investing in and developing a variety of clean energy options that can ensure the grid stays clean, balanced, and reliable.
• SB 356 (Skinner) – This bill increase access to data about the whole energy system. Information makes it easier for businesses to develop and deploy new clean energy technologies and help bring clean-tech jobs to the forefront of our economy. It also ensures the state will have important information about the energy use of its buildings and properties.
• AB 726 (Holden) – This bill takes advantage of smart meter technologies by requiring utilities to notify customers before their bills get too high, thereby avoiding “unpleasant surprises.” Through this increase in information, customers can become more active participants in their energy usage and reduce their costs.
• SB 366 (Leyva) – SB 366 helps ensure all our communities are able to take part in the clean energy revolution and reap the benefits of lower electricity costs and cleaner air. Specifically, it clears the way for community solar projects in disadvantaged communities and supports well-paying green-collar jobs through local training programs. Unlocking community solar is a key to helping communities overcome physical and economic barriers (like not owning your home or not being able to afford the upfront costs of solar) to accessing clean energy.
• AB 1431 (Arambula) – AB 1431 will increase access and participation in energy efficiency, weatherization, and renewable energy programs for low-income, disadvantaged communities. It creates a comprehensive database to track program participation and a working group in which state agencies and stakeholders can exchange views on how to make these programs better and increase participation. This combination of data and dialogue will allow for a comprehensive analysis of all related state clean energy efforts.

In some ways, how we bring these resources onto the grid is as important as the resources themselves.

Big, bold benefits of renewable integration

Not only do renewables create clean-economy benefits, so does renewable integration. In some ways, how we bring these resources onto the grid is as important as the resources themselves. A thoughtful approach to incorporating increasing levels of renewables includes establishing a strong, diverse portfolio of clean energy resources.

California’s clean-energy leadership continues
Click To Tweet

Each solution has environmental and economic benefits, and each works hand in hand with the RPS to create a totally clean energy system – functioning like two sides of the same coin. In California, we can and should develop clean technologies that will “back up” renewable generation, like automated demand response, time-of-use rates, and electricity storage, including the use of electric vehicle as batteries.  It also means looking beyond California’s borders and considering how the state can best sell our excess clean energy when we don’t need it, like our abundant midday solar, and buy cheap, clean energy from other states when the sun isn’t shining.

California clean-energy leadership continues

California is working hard to create an economy that runs fully on clean, renewable resources. That’s why our legislators should pursue these innovative policies. We know this action is more important now than ever. And no one is more ready to demonstrate how clean energy policy can be an economic boon than California.

Photo source: iStock/halbergman

By Lauren Navarro

California is a leader, and has earned that title – it is the largest state economy in the U.S. and the sixth-largest economy in the world.  Forward-thinking clean energy policies are the backbone of California’s prosperity, creating jobs and businesses for the state while cutting emissions. While the presidential administration assaults critical environmental protections nationwide, clean energy momentum is California’s leadership is committed and poised to move forward.

Energy policy drives economic growth

Most energy policy is done at the state level, reflecting that energy management is a fundamental concern for local residents and their livelihoods. How we make, move, and use power can create jobs and protect citizens’ rights to clean air and energy choice. The following bills currently in front of the California State Legislature illuminate the state’s path forward:

• SB 584 (De Leon) – This bill proposes increasing our current Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) – a requirement that utilities meet half of sales with clean, renewable energy sources – to 100 percent. While the means are still being determined, the ambitious spirit of 100 percent is clear. As California’s leaders consider how best to reach a 100 percent renewable energy goal, they should consider investing in and developing a variety of clean energy options that can ensure the grid stays clean, balanced, and reliable.
• SB 356 (Skinner) – This bill increase access to data about the whole energy system. Information makes it easier for businesses to develop and deploy new clean energy technologies and help bring clean-tech jobs to the forefront of our economy. It also ensures the state will have important information about the energy use of its buildings and properties.
• AB 726 (Holden) – This bill takes advantage of smart meter technologies by requiring utilities to notify customers before their bills get too high, thereby avoiding “unpleasant surprises.” Through this increase in information, customers can become more active participants in their energy usage and reduce their costs.
• SB 366 (Leyva) – SB 366 helps ensure all our communities are able to take part in the clean energy revolution and reap the benefits of lower electricity costs and cleaner air. Specifically, it clears the way for community solar projects in disadvantaged communities and supports well-paying green-collar jobs through local training programs. Unlocking community solar is a key to helping communities overcome physical and economic barriers (like not owning your home or not being able to afford the upfront costs of solar) to accessing clean energy.
• AB 1431 (Arambula) – AB 1431 will increase access and participation in energy efficiency, weatherization, and renewable energy programs for low-income, disadvantaged communities. It creates a comprehensive database to track program participation and a working group in which state agencies and stakeholders can exchange views on how to make these programs better and increase participation. This combination of data and dialogue will allow for a comprehensive analysis of all related state clean energy efforts.

In some ways, how we bring these resources onto the grid is as important as the resources themselves.

Big, bold benefits of renewable integration

Not only do renewables create clean-economy benefits, so does renewable integration. In some ways, how we bring these resources onto the grid is as important as the resources themselves. A thoughtful approach to incorporating increasing levels of renewables includes establishing a strong, diverse portfolio of clean energy resources.

California’s clean-energy leadership continues
Click To Tweet

Each solution has environmental and economic benefits, and each works hand in hand with the RPS to create a totally clean energy system – functioning like two sides of the same coin. In California, we can and should develop clean technologies that will “back up” renewable generation, like automated demand response, time-of-use rates, and electricity storage, including the use of electric vehicle as batteries.  It also means looking beyond California’s borders and considering how the state can best sell our excess clean energy when we don’t need it, like our abundant midday solar, and buy cheap, clean energy from other states when the sun isn’t shining.

California clean-energy leadership continues

California is working hard to create an economy that runs fully on clean, renewable resources. That’s why our legislators should pursue these innovative policies. We know this action is more important now than ever. And no one is more ready to demonstrate how clean energy policy can be an economic boon than California.

Photo source: iStock/halbergman

By Lauren Navarro

California is a leader, and has earned that title – it is the largest state economy in the U.S. and the sixth-largest economy in the world.  Forward-thinking clean energy policies are the backbone of California’s prosperity, creating jobs and businesses for the state while cutting emissions. While the presidential administration assaults critical environmental protections nationwide, clean energy momentum is California’s leadership is committed and poised to move forward.

Energy policy drives economic growth

Most energy policy is done at the state level, reflecting that energy management is a fundamental concern for local residents and their livelihoods. How we make, move, and use power can create jobs and protect citizens’ rights to clean air and energy choice. The following bills currently in front of the California State Legislature illuminate the state’s path forward:

• SB 584 (De Leon) – This bill proposes increasing our current Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) – a requirement that utilities meet half of sales with clean, renewable energy sources – to 100 percent. While the means are still being determined, the ambitious spirit of 100 percent is clear. As California’s leaders consider how best to reach a 100 percent renewable energy goal, they should consider investing in and developing a variety of clean energy options that can ensure the grid stays clean, balanced, and reliable.
• SB 356 (Skinner) – This bill increase access to data about the whole energy system. Information makes it easier for businesses to develop and deploy new clean energy technologies and help bring clean-tech jobs to the forefront of our economy. It also ensures the state will have important information about the energy use of its buildings and properties.
• AB 726 (Holden) – This bill takes advantage of smart meter technologies by requiring utilities to notify customers before their bills get too high, thereby avoiding “unpleasant surprises.” Through this increase in information, customers can become more active participants in their energy usage and reduce their costs.
• SB 366 (Leyva) – SB 366 helps ensure all our communities are able to take part in the clean energy revolution and reap the benefits of lower electricity costs and cleaner air. Specifically, it clears the way for community solar projects in disadvantaged communities and supports well-paying green-collar jobs through local training programs. Unlocking community solar is a key to helping communities overcome physical and economic barriers (like not owning your home or not being able to afford the upfront costs of solar) to accessing clean energy.
• AB 1431 (Arambula) – AB 1431 will increase access and participation in energy efficiency, weatherization, and renewable energy programs for low-income, disadvantaged communities. It creates a comprehensive database to track program participation and a working group in which state agencies and stakeholders can exchange views on how to make these programs better and increase participation. This combination of data and dialogue will allow for a comprehensive analysis of all related state clean energy efforts.

In some ways, how we bring these resources onto the grid is as important as the resources themselves.

Big, bold benefits of renewable integration

Not only do renewables create clean-economy benefits, so does renewable integration. In some ways, how we bring these resources onto the grid is as important as the resources themselves. A thoughtful approach to incorporating increasing levels of renewables includes establishing a strong, diverse portfolio of clean energy resources.

California’s clean-energy leadership continues
Click To Tweet

Each solution has environmental and economic benefits, and each works hand in hand with the RPS to create a totally clean energy system – functioning like two sides of the same coin. In California, we can and should develop clean technologies that will “back up” renewable generation, like automated demand response, time-of-use rates, and electricity storage, including the use of electric vehicle as batteries.  It also means looking beyond California’s borders and considering how the state can best sell our excess clean energy when we don’t need it, like our abundant midday solar, and buy cheap, clean energy from other states when the sun isn’t shining.

California clean-energy leadership continues

California is working hard to create an economy that runs fully on clean, renewable resources. That’s why our legislators should pursue these innovative policies. We know this action is more important now than ever. And no one is more ready to demonstrate how clean energy policy can be an economic boon than California.

Photo source: iStock/halbergman

Farmers have a host of competing priorities clamoring for their time, energy and money. Fortunately, they often have trusted advisers to help them make good decisions for their operations – including about conservation practices on the farm. These practices, such as improving fertilizer efficiency and planting cover crops, can provide significant benefits for farmers: increasing […]

The post Why ag advisers should increase conservation offerings to farmers first appeared on Growing Returns.

By Jamie Powers

Farmers have a host of competing priorities clamoring for their time, energy and money. Fortunately, they often have trusted advisors to help them make good decisions for their operations – including about conservation practices on the farm.

These practices, such as improving fertilizer efficiency and planting cover crops, can provide significant benefits for farmers: increasing or stabilizing yields, reducing erosion, and ensuring more of the fertilizer applied delivers yield instead of being lost to water or air. They can also increase profitability.

But in order to get the best bang for every conservation buck, many of these practices require technical and agronomic expertise. As PrecisionAg suggested, who better to help integrate these practices into farm operations than the ag retailers and consultants who know their clients’ farms so well?

By expanding their conservation service offerings, ag retailers and crop advisors can meet growing demand from farmers – while also keeping their businesses, and that of their farmer clients, competitive.

Why ag advisors should increase conservation offerings to farmers, via…
Click To Tweet

Room for improvement

According to a 2015 paper [PDF] published by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, 60 percent of Iowa farmers felt that their “fertilizer and ag chemical dealers should do more to help farmers address nutrient losses into waterways.” Not only are farmers demanding increased conservation services, they look to their ag retailer advisors to provide them.

This same paper noted that less than 14 percent of farmers learned about the state’s nutrient loss reduction strategy from their ag retailers, seed salespeople, or independent crop advisors and agronomists. Contrast that with the 63 percent that learned of the strategy from the farm press, or the more than 40 percent who heard about it through extension, NRCS or their Conservation District.

This suggests a bigger need for retailers to communicate with farmers on conservation topics, including how it can benefit their bottom line and make them more resilient to extreme weather.

Opportunity abounds

Farmers are under pressure from many fronts – their communities, state and federal government, and customers – to help address water quality issues. Government conservation services cannot keep up with demand from farmers for conservation practices. Yet that demand will continue to grow while funding for government programs is likely to decline – creating the space for retailers and consultants to play an even larger role.

Crop consultants and ag retailers should also recognize the growing demand for services that address concerns about [PDF] more frequent dry periods and drought, increased heat stress on crops, higher incidence of crop disease, increased weed and insect pressures, more frequent extreme rains and increases in saturated soils. For example, service providers can help farmers be more resilient in the face of drought by planting cover crops, exploring crop rotations that reduce the risk and impact of pests and disease, or reducing erosion during extreme storms through conservation tillage.

Staying competitive

Ag retailers and crop consultants can absolutely lead the way in helping farmers to improve, increase and develop conservation practices. This will not just improve growers’ bottom lines, but also help ag retailers maintain customer loyalty.

Retailers can also take the lead in collecting, measuring and tracking appropriate ag data to help farmers show their customers, consumers and communities that farmers are champions of stewardship.

Related:

If you're marketing a product to a farmer, show them where and how it will work >>

This Iowa farmer proves that profit and sustainability go hand in hand >>

Cover crops: A new opportunity for ag retailers >>

By Jamie Powers

Farmers have a host of competing priorities clamoring for their time, energy and money. Fortunately, they often have trusted advisors to help them make good decisions for their operations – including about conservation practices on the farm.

These practices, such as improving fertilizer efficiency and planting cover crops, can provide significant benefits for farmers: increasing or stabilizing yields, reducing erosion, and ensuring more of the fertilizer applied delivers yield instead of being lost to water or air. They can also increase profitability.

But in order to get the best bang for every conservation buck, many of these practices require technical and agronomic expertise. As PrecisionAg suggested, who better to help integrate these practices into farm operations than the ag retailers and consultants who know their clients’ farms so well?

By expanding their conservation service offerings, ag retailers and crop advisors can meet growing demand from farmers – while also keeping their businesses, and that of their farmer clients, competitive.

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Room for improvement

According to a 2015 paper [PDF] published by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, 60 percent of Iowa farmers felt that their “fertilizer and ag chemical dealers should do more to help farmers address nutrient losses into waterways.” Not only are farmers demanding increased conservation services, they look to their ag retailer advisors to provide them.

This same paper noted that less than 14 percent of farmers learned about the state’s nutrient loss reduction strategy from their ag retailers, seed salespeople, or independent crop advisors and agronomists. Contrast that with the 63 percent that learned of the strategy from the farm press, or the more than 40 percent who heard about it through extension, NRCS or their Conservation District.

This suggests a bigger need for retailers to communicate with farmers on conservation topics, including how it can benefit their bottom line and make them more resilient to extreme weather.

Opportunity abounds

Farmers are under pressure from many fronts – their communities, state and federal government, and customers – to help address water quality issues. Government conservation services cannot keep up with demand from farmers for conservation practices. Yet that demand will continue to grow while funding for government programs is likely to decline – creating the space for retailers and consultants to play an even larger role.

Crop consultants and ag retailers should also recognize the growing demand for services that address concerns about [PDF] more frequent dry periods and drought, increased heat stress on crops, higher incidence of crop disease, increased weed and insect pressures, more frequent extreme rains and increases in saturated soils. For example, service providers can help farmers be more resilient in the face of drought by planting cover crops, exploring crop rotations that reduce the risk and impact of pests and disease, or reducing erosion during extreme storms through conservation tillage.

Staying competitive

Ag retailers and crop consultants can absolutely lead the way in helping farmers to improve, increase and develop conservation practices. This will not just improve growers’ bottom lines, but also help ag retailers maintain customer loyalty.

Retailers can also take the lead in collecting, measuring and tracking appropriate ag data to help farmers show their customers, consumers and communities that farmers are champions of stewardship.

Related:

If you're marketing a product to a farmer, show them where and how it will work >>

This Iowa farmer proves that profit and sustainability go hand in hand >>

Cover crops: A new opportunity for ag retailers >>