The Planning and Conservation Leagues 2006 Legislative Symposium

A Climate of Change
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Sacramento Municipal Utility District SMUD Customer Service Center 6301 S Street Sacramento, CA 95817

A Climate of Change
Saturday, April 29, 2006 8:30 am to 8:00 pm
Sacramento Municipal Utilities District Utility District SMUD Customer Service Center 6301 S Street Sacramento, CA 95817

2006 Legislative Symposium

Presented by the Planning and Conservation League and the Planning and Conservation League Foundation. (Please note our new address.) 1107 9th Street, Suite 360 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 444-8726 pclmail@pcl.org www.pcl.org The Planning and Conservation League is a nonpartisan, nonprot alliance of individuals and conservation organizations working at the state, local, and national levels to protect and restore Californias natural environment, and to promote and defend the public health and safety of the people of California, through legislative and administrative action, and litigation. The PCL Foundations mission is to protect the California environment and ensure that California continues to be an attractive, livable and equitable state by engaging in cutting-edge environmental public policy research and educating and empowering local communities to participate in local and state environmental decision making processes. Special thanks to our national afliate the National Wildlife Federation. The National Wildlife Federation has been working to protect Americas wildlife since 1936. NWF represents the power and commitment of four million members and supporters joined by afliated wildlife organizations in 47 states and territories. Global warming is a top-prioity issue for NWF.

is real and its environmental and economic consequences will be profound. But in California its not just the natural climate that is changing. The states social and political climate is changing, too. To meet the unprecedented challenge these dramatic changes present, it is imperative that policy makers at every level of state and local government join with environmental, business, labor, public health, education, and social equity leaders to devise and implement solutions that will ensure long-lasting environmental protections for our local communities, our natural places, and the resources that sustain our health, economy, and quality of life. As a true league of local and statewide environmental organizations, PCL has been on the frontlines of the battle for environmental protection in California for more than forty years. We know that climate change is a serious threat to our future and that the countless environmental challenges we now face will either contribute to or will be exacerbated by global warming. Now is the time to address these challenges. Now is the time to change the climate in our statewide, regional, and local policymaking. We cant afford a political climate that is not fully committed to sustainability, economic prosperity, and social equality. On April 29th, join PCL, its afliated organizations, and committed individuals from around California as we lay the foundation for a program of change!

Global climate change

Panelists & Speakers

Symposium panelists reect the Planning and Conservation Leagues commitment to developing environmental policies and legislation that serve the interests of all Californians while protecting the wild places and open spaces that are our shared natural heritage. This years Symposium features over sixty experts specializing in at least one of the following areas: environmental science, legislation, activism, business innovation, social, environmental and economic equity, environmental law, affordable housing, air quality, land trusts, water policy, land use, climate change, outreach to nonenvironmental groups, and public health. For instance: Dr. Peter H. Gleick is co-founder and President of the Pacic Institute for Studies in Development, Environment, and Security in Oakland. His research and writing address the critical connections between water and human health and the hydrologic impacts of climate change. David H. Anderson, an attorney specializing in environmental law and land use planning, presently serves as General Counsel for the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County. Elizabeth Izzy Martin, CEO of the Sierra Fund, served on the Nevada County Board of Supervisors, where she led the effort to clean up an abandoned copper mine in her district. Senator Michael Machado was reelected to represent the Fifth Senate District. One of the Senators most notable accomplishments has been authoring Prop. 13, the Safe Drinking Water, Clean Water, Watershed Protection and Flood Protection Bond Act. At lunch were excited to feature Paul Dolan, former President of Fetzer Vineyards, co-founder of the Mendocino Wine Co., author of True to Our Roots, and champion of organic viticulture and sustainable business. Finally, Larry J. Schweiger, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, and Michel Gelobter, the visionary Executive Director of Redening Progress, will be featured during our Kenote Dinner. Mr. Schweiger will bring a national perspective to the ght against Climate Change, while Mr. Gelobter will describe his vision of Environmental Protection and Justice for All.

For over forty years the Planning and Conservation League has worked with elected ofcials to shape Californias environmental laws and policies. Historically, elected ofcials and political candidates are eager to participate in our annual Symposium as speakers and panelists. For this years event, A Climate of Change, PCL has invited presentations by: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Attorney General Bill Lockyer - Conrmed State Treasurer Phil Angelides State Controller Steve Westly Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown Assembly Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa Senate President Pro Tempore Don Perata Assembly Speaker Fabian Nez Mike Machado, State Senate (Linden) - Conrmed Abel Maldonado, State Senate (Santa Maria) Dean Flrez, State Senate (Shafter) Alan Lowenthal, State Senate (Long Beach) Chuck Poochigian, State Senate (Fresno) Rocky Delgadillo, Los Angeles City Attorney Pete McCloskey, Former U.S. Congressman

Many thanks to our sponsors and underwriters for their support. Their generous contributions have made it possible for PCL and PCL Foundation to begin its effort to bring about a climate of change in California. Admail West American Apparel Black Mountain Communications Camp Lotus ck mckinney graphics Elisabeth Brown Parducci Wine Cellars Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP Phyllis Faber SMUD Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger, LLP Temple Fine Coffee and Tea Waste Management

Photo credits | Freeway: Century Housing | We Love Our Community: Robin Doyno | Delta: DWR courtesy of the Water Education Foundation Theres still time for you or your business to become a sponsor for this event. Please contact Becca Wender at (916) 313-4524, or at <rwender@pcl.org>.

Registration Form
NAME orgANizAtioN AddrEss city stAtE E-MAil zip

phoNE

regiSTrATion feeS $70 for pcl members $80 for non-members $95 includes registration and a one-year pcl membership: save $10 $15 student registration with valid student id $25 student registration with valid student id and a one-year pcl membership: save $95 $200 registration plus MclE credit for attorneys: see pcls Accredited legal program MeALS $6.50 continental Breakfast $8 lunch $17 dinner

please check one option for all meals: q Vegetarian q poultry, no red meat please q Vegan q omnivore

ToTAL enCLoSeD / AMoUnT To ChArge CreDiT CArD q By check: please fill out and return this form with a check payable to pcl Foundation. q VisA NAME oN cArd q MAstErcArd cArd NuMBEr Exp dAtE

regiSTrATion inforMATion n registration deadline is thursday, April 20, 2006. n We will mail out confirmations with directions to the symposium upon receipt of registration payment. confirmations will not be mailed out after Friday, April 21, 2006. n Financial assistance and group rates are available; please contact us if you need information. if you have special needs or need assistance with childcare, please contact gerald perez at (916) 313-4522 or at <gperez@pcl.org>. We will try our best to accommodate everyone. n Walk-in registration begins at 7:30 am the day of the event. We cannot guarantee meals for walk-in registrants. n cancellation policy: registrants must send a written cancellation (by mail or fax) by thursday, April 20, 2006 to receive a full refund. cancellations after April 20 will not be refunded. SUbMiTTing regiSTrATion n By mail: pcl 1107 9th street, suite 360 sacramento, cA 95814 n Via the internet: go to <www.pcl.org> n By fax or e-mail: please include credit card information Fax: (916) 448-1789 E-mail: <gperez@pcl.org>

Schedule of Events
7:30 Symposium Registration Continental Breakfast Welcome: Gary Patton, Executive Director, Planning & Conservation League John Van de Kamp, President, Planning & Conservation League Morning Address: The Politics of Climate Change Round One: Legislating Change Climate Change 11:30 Business and the Environment Transportation Legal Program
(MCLE)

8:30

9:00 9:30

Environmental Enforcement

Lunch Midday Talks: Beyond Business as Usual Round Two: Elements of Reform Air Quality Water Land Use Legal Program
(MCLE)

1:45

Land Use: Legal Approaches Legal Program

(MCLE)

4:00

Round Three: Taking Regional Action Sierra Region Urban Regions Coastal Region Central Valley

CEQA
until 6pm

5:30

Evening Reception

7:00

Dinner and Awards Presentation Symposium Keynote: Environmental Protection and Justice for All *Additional panelists to be conrmed.

News You Can Use: PCLs Annual Symposiums are always action oriented, focusing on legislative and administrative solutions to Californias most pressing environmental problems. Symposium panels provide real tools and an action program for environmental groups and activists alike, helping us to focus our work together, at the state and local levels, for the year ahead.

9:30 11:30 Legislating Change

Changing the Climate: The Will to Deal with Climate Change
The scientic community has reached a broad consensus on global climate change: its real, and its effects are alarming. Here in California we face inundation of coastal and delta areas from sea-level rise, changes in precipitation patterns, increased risk of drought, re, and ood, worsened air quality, rapid species extinction, and enormous challenges to public health. As our leaders continue to make decisions under a static climate mindset, they directly contribute to the growing crisis. Policy proposals to turn the tide against global climate change abound. But thats only half the solution. The other half is changing the political climate so that our leaders not only understand the threats of global climate change, but feel compelled to implement bold solutions. If we can will such political change, California, the worlds sixth largest economy, could spark a technological renaissance by shifting to a carbon-free and sustainable economy. This panel will bring together both state and national experts to talk about the challenges and strategies to deal with the growing threat of global climate change. Get ready for a truly hot topic.
Rafael Aguilera, Environmental Defense Mark Carlson, Lutheran Ofce of Public Policy - California Karen Douglas, Environmental Defense James Schroeder, National Wildlife Federation Reverend Dr. David Thompson, Westminster Presbyterian Church Myra Wilensky, National Wildlife Federation

Business Best Practices for the 21st Century

What will business in California look like in fty years? Will it be exible, technologically innovative, and sustainable? Will it be distinguished by solid economic returns, genuine stewardship of the environment, and careful attentiveness to employee and community needs? Finding the right answers to these questions and changing the business climate in California will require individuals from diverse backgrounds to work together. At this panel youll hear from business owners, a government representative, a forest advocate, a union leader, and a consumer campaign coordinator, all striving to engender better business practices. Theyll present intra-business, local, regional and statewide solutions, good policies that will ensure business in the twenty-rst century is anything but business as usual.
Roian Atwood, American Apparel John Brissenden, Sorensons Resort Paul Dolan, The Mendocino Wine Co. Casey Harrell, ForestEthics.org Jose Picon, SEIU Local 250 Sage Sweetwood, PCL Board of Directors

Shifting Gears: Better Energy and Transportation Policies

Energy and transportation decisions in California are often the result of sweeping policy shifts that fundamentally change the course of the state in a single vote. Such decisions have profound impacts on how we live our lives: how we get around, how reliant we are on deregulated markets, and how we either degrade or revitalize our communities and the environment for decades to come. California is on the verge of another major shift. Policy-makers are debating the issuance of multibillion dollar bonds to fund infrastructure projects across the state. Many have suggested fundamental reforms to the way we spend taxpayer money on power and transportation projects. Others focus on organizing impacted communities to bring more voices to the table to demand that their needs are considered. This panel will discuss decision-making successes and current hot topics so that you can help California shift gears.
Jose Carmona, Center for Energy Efciency & Renewable Technologies Bernadette Del Chiaro, Environment California Jesse Marquez, Coalition for a Safe Environment Jay Norvell, Caltrans

Accredited Legal Program (MCLE, 6 Credits)

The following panels meet Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) requirements as set by the State Bar of California*. The Planning and Conservation League is proud to present this program as part of its outreach to attorneys working on environmental issues throughout California. Non-lawyers are also welcome to participate. 9:30 - 11:30

Breaking Down Barriers to Environmental Enforcement

The adoption of strong laws for the protection of the environment and public health is critical. But its only the rst step. Without effective enforcement, all the laws on the books are meaningless. This CLE will bring together attorneys from both the public and private sector to talk about barriers to effective enforcement; what types of changes need to take place for effective enforcement of environmental laws; and what types of incentives will lead to a more robust enforcement system in California. In particular, this CLE will focus on legislative changes that can give attorneys more of the tools they need to enforce Californias environmental laws. (2 credits)
Bill Magavern, Sierra Club California Harold Thomas, CA Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Comm. Roger Moore, Rossmann and Moore LLP Representative from the Attorney Generals Ofce Maureen F. Gorsen, Dept. of Toxic Substances Control

1:45 - 3:45

From Many, One: Integrating Legal Approaches to Land Use Reform

Ensuring sustainable land use practices is one of the preeminent environmental challenges we face in California. From a legal perspective, there are a number of approaches currently in practice or under consideration. Some are competing; some are complementary; some are seemingly unrelated. They vary widely from statewide policies to land trusts to community benets agreements. This CLE will bring together several of Californias foremost land use attorneys to talk about creating a comprehensive legal regime to bring about land use patterns that protect and preserve the environment, curb global warming, and meet the needs of Californias underserved and low-income communities. (2 credits)
David H. Anderson, Land Trust for Santa Barbara County Jan Chatten-Brown, Chatten-Brown & Carstens Kevin Johnson, Johnson & Hanson LLP Jerilyn Lopez Mendoza, Environmental Defense

4:00 - 6:00

CEQA: Evolutions in Californias Premier Environmental Law

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is the states most prominent environmental protection law. This workshop will provide a thorough, clear, and concise overview of CEQA. Through presentation and discussion, the programs moderator, Bill Yeates, a lawyer with over 16-years experience working with CEQA, will provide an overview of CEQAs environmental review requirements. Panelists will focus on proposed legislative changes to CEQA, the value of CEQA to traditionally-underserved communities, and how climate change caused by global warming can and should be evaluated within CEQAs mandatory review of the environmental consequences of public agency action. (2 credits) Underwritten by Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger LLP.
Sydney Coatsworth, AICP, EDAW Tim Gabriel, Natural Resources Defense Council Bill Yeates, PCL Board of Directors Tom Adams, California League of Conservation Voters

1:45 3:45 Elements of Reform

California Breathing: Air Quality in the Golden State
We hear about it all the time: kids with inhalers, Save the Air days, smog blotting out the sunrise. Air quality permeates all aspects of California life. Bad air means bad health. Bad health means billions of dollars in health care costs and lost productivity each year. Transportation, land use, energy consumption choices all have a direct impact on the breathability of our air and on who suffers most. This panel will look for ways from both policy and political perspectives to help all Californians breathe easier.
Teresa de Anda, Californians for Pesticide Reform Kevin Hamilton, RRT, Asthma Education & Management Community Medical Centers Bonnie Holmes-Gen, American Lung Assocation of CA Kathryn Phillips, Environmental Defense Martin Schlageter, Coalition for Clean Air

A Quenchable Thirst: Solving Californias Water Woes

Our population is 35 million and growing. The Bay Delta Estuary ecosystem is collapsing, due in part to excessive freshwater exports. Hundreds of Californians lack access to water, and thousands more have access only to water that is unsafe to drink. Our levees arent getting any younger. And climate change is melting away our largest reservoir the Sierra snow pack earlier than ever before. Yet, more and more Californians are realizing that with increased efciency and integrated management, we could have more than enough water to meet our needs. To move forward, however, we must ask the hard questions and make difcult decisions. Our panel of experts will try to convince you that Californias thirst is indeed quenchable.
Laurel Firestone, Center on Race, Poverty and the Environment Dr. Peter Gleick, The Pacic Institute Senator Michael Machado (D - Linden) Jerry Meral, former Executive Director, PCL Caleen Sisk-Franco, Winnemem Wintu Tribe Frances Spivy-Weber, Mono Lake Committee Tom Zuckerman, Central Delta Water Agency

Land Use and Land Trusts

The Golden State cant afford many more wrong land use choices. Intensifying development pressures could result in the permanent destruction of many of Californias most treasured natural and manmade environments. Concrete continues to replace farmland, open space, and natural habitats. Entire communities are deprived of clean water and breathable air, while sprawl creates emissions that further contribute to global warming. At the same time, many poor, working, and middle class Californians have been excluded from home ownership. The good news is that California has some of the foremost experts on these issues who are committed to restoring the quality of our natural and man-made environments through good land use policy and a statewide land trust movement that is increasingly successful at providing permanent protection to our threatened natural resources. This panel brings together a number of experts who will describe the steps that must be taken if we are to give our children and grandchildren a state in which they can thrive. Underwritten by Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP.
Tom Amato, People and Congregations Together Lupe Y. Garcia, LandWatch Monterey County Terry Watt, Terrell Watt Planning Consultant Kevin Johnson, Johnson & Hanson LLP Edward Thompson, Jr., American Farmland Trust

4:00 5:30 Taking Regional Action

Help formulate ways to achieve environmental protection, social equity, and economic prosperity where it matters most, in the place you live.

The Sierra Nevada: Californias mountains are our last great reservoir for clean water, woodlands, wilderness, and recreation. This vast range provides more than 65 percent of the states drinking water and generates more than $1.4 billion per year through recreation and tourism. Climate change and development top the list of threats to this majestic landscape. What can residents of the Sierras do to protect the symbols of Californias commitment to the natural world? Underwritten by Camp Lotus.
Mark Franco, Winnemem Wintu Tribe Steve Frisch, Sierra Business Council Elizabeth Izzy Martin, The Sierra Fund Robert Meacher, Plumas County Tom Mooers, Sierra Watch

Urban California: The higher density living associated with urban areas has historically
played a vital role in community cohesion and environmental protection. But since the rush to the suburbs in the 1950s many Californians have forgotten the promise of our cities and have turned a blind eye to the disproportionate impacts that many of Californias urban communities now suffer due to environmental problems such as poor air quality, toxics, and unsafe public spaces. The new generation of environmentalism is coming from people ghting for a better environment where they work, play, go to school and raise a family. Come hear how to get involved. Underwritten by Elisabeth Brown.
Martha Arguello, Physicians for Social Responsibility Henry Clark, West County Toxics Lynne Plambeck, Santa Clarita Organization for Planning the Environment Jane Williams, California Communities Against Toxics Martha Davis, Inland Empire Utilities Agency LaDonna Williams, People for Childrens Health and Environmental Justice

Coastal California: Drawn to the ocean and moderate climate, 80 percent of Californians now live within an hours drive of the coast. The pressure exerted on the natural resources along the coast is increasing in intensity. Maintaining a coast for people from all walks of life while ensuring the vitality of our thin blue line will take the concerted effort of all lovers of the sea. Underwritten by Phyllis Faber.
Debbie Cook, City of Huntington Beach Jesse Marquez, Coalition for a Safe Environment Mary Nichols, Los Angeles Dept. of Water & Power Meg Caldwell, California Coastal Commission

The Central Valley: Famously described as the garden of California for its expansive wetlands
and riparian forests, the Central Valley, with the rise of irrigation projects and industrial agriculture, is considered the most altered landscape in the West. And now its ground zero for an explosion of sprawl that is polluting the water, driving air quality to national lows, and paving over agricultural lands at an alarming rate all without providing affordable housing for the men and women who work there. With the fragile Bay-Delta ecological collapse, the Valley, which so many of us now call home, clearly needs urgent attention.
Richard Cummings, Great Valley Center Susan Frank, Steven & Michele Kirsch Foundation David Lighthall, Ph.D., Relational Culture Institute Eric Parfrey, Concerned Citizens of Stockton Paola Ramos, Environmental Justice Coaltion for Water Rey Len, Latino Issues Forum

1107 9th Street, Suite 360 Sacramento, CA 95814

A Climate of Change
Saturday, April 29, 2006 Saturday, April 29, 2006
Sacramento Municipal Utilities District SMUD Customer Service Center 6301 S Street 6301 S Street Sacramento, CA 95817 Sacramento, CA 95817

The Planning and Conservation Leagues 2006 Legislative Symposium 2006 Legislative Symposium

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