The City of Sacramento is developing a “Transportation Priorities Plan,” which will identify transportation improvements to prioritize throughout the city, and we’re asking for your help. Your values will help us prioritize transportation projects and help decide what should get built sooner rather than later. Visit the project website to learn more and to take the survey. Survey is open now through June 14, 2021.

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For decades, SMUD has been a leader in clean energy and carbon reduction, and its 2030 Zero Carbon Vision continues this commitment. SMUD’s goal is to reach zero carbon emissions in its power supply by 2030 – the most ambitious goal of any large utility in the United States. This ambitious goal puts the Sacramento Region on the map as an example to follow and a region where innovative, climate-friendly businesses want to be. Going absolute zero carbon is a bold and ambitious goal – one we believe we can and must achieve. Learn more about SMUD’s bold journey to eliminate 100% of GHG emissions from electric generation by 2030. (SMUD) Photo credit: SMUD

The new paint reflects 98% of sunlight as well as radiating infrared heat through the atmosphere into space. In tests, it cooled surfaces by 8 degrees Fahrenheit below the ambient temperature, even in strong sunlight. Currently available reflective white paints are far better than dark roofing materials, but only reflect 80-90% of sunlight and absorb UV light. This means they cannot cool surfaces below ambient temperatures. The new paint does this, leading to less need for air conditioning. The researchers said the paint could be on the market in one or two years. The researchers said the ultra-white paint uses a standard acrylic solvent and could be manufactured like conventional paint. (Guardian) Photograph: Jared Pike/Purdue University

Gov. Newsom has placed most of the state under a drought emergency, which could leave communities struggling with agricultural pollution without drinking water. (Inside Climate News)

A new study shows that tree canopy distribution often depends on race and class, a result of exclusionary zoning laws, racial segregation, and the country’s stark wealth inequality. 92 percent of low-income blocks in the U.S. have less tree cover and hotter average temperatures than high-income blocks. On average, tree cover was 15 percent less for low-income blocks compared to high-income ones. A $17.6 billion investment in tree planting and natural regeneration could correct these disparities and benefit 42 million people by protecting them from heatwaves — shown to cause the most harm to poor people of color — and lowering air pollution levels while improving both physical and mental health. (Grist)

The growing health threats of extreme heat over populated areas are “not sufficiently captured” by major reports and emergency databases, or communicated adequately by English-language media, according to new research. Even though heat waves are one of the leading causes of death linked to global warming, “Extreme heat is not adequately looked at in research and policy, in comparison to the risk.” (Inside Climate News)

Rising temperatures are widening the racial achievement gap in United States schools, new research suggests, offering the latest evidence that the burdens of climate change fall disproportionately on people of color. Researchers found that students performed worse on standardized tests for every additional day over 80F, even after controlling for other factors. Those effects held across 58 countries, suggesting a fundamental link between heat exposure and reduced learning. But when the researchers looked specifically at the United States, they found something surprising: The detrimental impact of heat seemed to affect only Black and Hispanic students. The findings are the newest addition to a growing body of research showing that climate change in general, and rising temperatures in particular, have a greater effect on minorities. (NYT) David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe, via Getty Images

Some of those health costs include premature death, medical care for physical and mental health after a major natural disaster, lost wages due to climate-related illnesses, and the price of filling prescription medications for those illnesses. By aggregating past climate-related public health costs, the report The Costs of Inaction: The Economic Burden of Fossil Fuels and Climate Change on Health in the United States shows that myriad medical issues brought on by climate change are already taking a financial toll on taxpayers. (Grist) Grist / J-Elgaard / Getty Images

A study by researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory shows that if every building in California sported "cool" roofs by 2050, these roofs would help contribute to protecting urbanites from the consequences of dangerous heatwaves, which are likely to become two to 10 times more frequent by mid-century. Cool roofs adoption throughout California's most populous areas—the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Sacramento—could bring down heat wave exposures (defined as each time a person experiences a heat wave) by 35 million each year, compared to 80 million in a base case scenario. (Phys.org)

In a highly connected world, climate risks – and our responses to them – can be transmitted from one system or sector to another, creating new risks and making existing ones more or less severe. These interactions include both the risks caused by climate change itself and those triggered by adaptation and mitigation responses. Adaptation and mitigation actions are often not considered as part of climate risk assessment. In a new paper, published in the journal One Earth, we address the challenges in assessing and responding to climate risks in three ways – through recognising mitigation and adaptation responses as potential drivers of risk, identifying how the multiple drivers of risk interact, and pinpointing how risks interact between themselves. (WEF)

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has released two tools to help identify zero-emission, near-zero-emission, and advanced conventional technologies for backup power generation for both commercial and residential applications. These tools are part of CARB's Technology Clearinghouse and feature technologies that are beyond existing best available control technology (BACT) requirements. Use of these technologies may help to further minimize GHGs and community-level air pollutant emission exposure during Public Safety Power Shutoff events or other emergency events. (Explore the residential and commercial tools)

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) released the Annual California Climate Investments (CCI) Report to the Legislature. Despite the challenges posed by a global pandemic and unprecedented heat and wildfires, 2020 was another record year for CCI with more than $3.1 billion invested in more than 51,000 projects across California’s 58 counties. Of the $3.1 billion investment, $1 billion is benefiting disadvantaged and low-income communities and households — collectively referred to as priority populations. To date, more than $4 billion in CCI funds have benefited priority populations — nearly half of all project investments. (CARB)

The Inland Counties Incentive Project provides financial incentives to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in 13 rural counties including El Dorado, Placer, Solano, Sutter, and Yolo counties. The rebates can cover up to 75 percent of the costs for establishing EV charging stations, including charging equipment, electrical infrastructure, and other related costs, with a total of $17.5 million available. Eligible entities include multi-family dwelling units, shopping centers, gas stations, hotels, retail cores, parking garages, and more. (CalEVIP)

The specific focus is the implementation of forest health projects that address wildfire recovery and resilience and support the goals of California’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan and the Sierra Nevada Conservancy’s Watershed Improvement Program. The program aims to support projects that result in a combination of multiple watershed, ecosystem, and community benefits. $20 million is available, and the deadline is ongoing. (Grants.ca.gov)

This grant program provides funding to support community-based organizations in their efforts to collaborate and partner with local stakeholder groups as they develop community-driven solutions that address environmental and/or public health issues for underserved communities. Deadline: June 1. (Grants.gov)

The California Strategic Growth Council and the California Department of Conservation are seeking applications from cities, counties, Native American tribes, land trusts, and other governmental and non-profit entities for projects that protect agricultural land and reduce GHGs. There are two types of grants: 1) Sustainable Agricultural Conservation Planning grants support the development of local and regional land-use policies and economic development strategies to protect critical agricultural land; 2) Agricultural Conservation Acquisition grants permanently protect agricultural lands that are at risk of conversion to sprawl development. Pre-proposals for acquisition grants are due June 1, and for planning grants July 1. (SGC)

The SGC’s Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program is now accepting applications for Round 6! AHSC funds land-use, housing, transportation, and land preservation projects to support infill and compact development projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. AHSC provides grants and loans that help build projects that increase access to affordable housing, employment centers, and key destinations via low-carbon transportation. Visit the AHSC website for information about upcoming informational webinars, technical assistance opportunities, and detailed information. Deadline: June 8, 5pm. (SGC)

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to build and enhance the resilience of cities and states to the health impacts of climate change. Resilience will be enhanced through three overarching strategies implemented by recipients. Key outcomes will be increased knowledge of adaptation actions that reduce adverse health effects of climate change and an enhanced evidence base for effective climate and health adaptation actions. Deadline: June 18. (Grants.gov)

The Floodplain Management, Protection and Risk Awareness Grant Program supports local agency efforts to prepare for flooding by providing financial assistance for flood risk reduction activities related to stormwater flooding, mudslides, and flash floods. $25 million is available. Deadline: Summer 2021. (DWR)

The Floodplain Management, Protection and Risk Awareness (FMPRA) Grant Program supports local agency efforts to prepare for flooding by providing financial assistance for flood risk reduction activities related to stormwater flooding, mudslides, and flash floods. The Program supports both the Public Safety Initiative announced by Governor Brown's Administration in February 2017 and the Headwaters to Floodplains Flood Safety Partnership Program. $25 million is available. Deadline: Summer 2021. (DWR)

The program's goal is to expand the number of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations installed by small businesses in California. Millions of consumers in the state do not buy zero emission electric vehicles because of the driving range and the lack of charging stations. This program provides incentives to small business owners and landlords to install EV charging stations for employees, clients and tenants. Applications are accepted and awarded continuously. (Apply)

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Self-Generation Incentive Program offers rebates for installing energy storage technology at both households and non-residential facilities. These storage technologies include battery storage systems. This funding includes prioritization of communities living in high fire-threat areas, communities that have experienced two or more utility Public Safety Power Shut-offs (PSPSs), as well as low income and medically vulnerable customers. The funds are also available for "critical facilities" that support community resilience in the event of a PSPS or wildfire. (CPUC and website)

The California Public Utilities Commission's (CPUC) Self-Generation Incentive Program offers rebates for installing energy storage technology at both households and non-residential facilities. These storage technologies include battery storage systems. This funding includes prioritization of communities living in high fire-threat areas, communities that have experienced two or more utility Public Safety Power Shut-offs (PSPSs), as well as low income and medically vulnerable customers. The funds are also available for "critical facilities" that support community resilience in the event of a PSPS or wildfire. In preparation for the next wildfire season, the CPUC has authorized funding of more than $1 billion through 2024. (CPUC and website)

The Forest and Watershed Health Directed Grants Program aims to support projects that create or improve forest conditions that result in a combination of multiple watershed, ecosystem, and community benefits. To be considered, projects must fall within at least one of the following focus areas: 1) implementation of prescribed fire; 2) projects that connect and serve underserved partners; 3) large-landscape planning projects for forest health that demonstrate multiple watershed and ecosystem benefits on a minimum of 10,000 acres. Applicants will submit a concept proposal, and then may be invited to develop a full proposal in collaboration with SNC. The cycle will repeat every quarter. (SNC)

The VW Mitigation Trust has $130 million in funding to replace older, high-polluting transit and shuttle buses with new battery-electric or fuel-cell buses. Replacing an older bus with a zero-emission bus eliminates particulate matter and other pollutants. The organization accepts applications on an ongoing basis. (Apply)

This program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. Essential community facilities include health care facilities, public civic facilities, community support services, local food systems, and more. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, and/or improve essential community facilities, to purchase equipment, and to pay related project expenses. The USDA reviews applications on a rolling basis. (Apply)  

Cal Wildlands supports conservationists advocating for the permanent protection, including restoration and stewardship, of intact wildlands on both public and private lands to help preserve California’s wilderness and native biological diversity. Though many of our grantees’ projects are in rural areas, we may also support projects near urban or suburban settings, provided they feature connectivity to larger protected areas and/or are located along critical wildlife corridors. Funding decisions are made on a quarterly basis, but applications are accepted any time. (Link)

The CC4A program delivers electric vehicle incentives to eligible residents and is funded by Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund/California Climate Investment dollars administered by the California Air Resource Board. Up to $9,500 is available for income-qualified residents to retire their older vehicles and replace them with new or used, zero or partial-zero emissions vehicles, and the incentives can be combined with Clean Vehicle Rebate Project funds. (CC4A)

The Newsom Administration is updating California's State Adaptation Strategy. The goal is to deliver a 2021 Strategy that outlines the state's key climate resilience priorities, includes specific and measurable steps, and serves as a framework for action across sectors and regions in California. We want your help to ensure the state’s Strategy reflects and reinforces regional priorities; draws connections among collective efforts; and serves as a useful resource for all Californians. Please join us virtually for the Strategy’s kick-off webinar and a regional workshop of your choice! (Register)

The Covid-19 pandemic has wrought disaster upon small businesses and the people and communities dependent upon them, but the forces pushing down on small businesses have been with us for the better part of the last 20 years, with the rise of fi­nancialization, conglomeration, and platform enterprise achieving unprecedented scale and competitive advantage. This webinar series will focus on potential solutions. We will catalyze a conversation about the post-pandemic economy, and elevate the role of entrepreneurial support infrastructure for existing independent and new business startups. (Register)

The California Air Resources Board (CARB), in collaboration with other State agencies, will hold a three-day public workshop series to initiate the development of the update to the AB 32 Climate Change Scoping Plan, which is due in 2022 and will reflect California’s goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. The first day will provide an overview of the process, while subsequent days will cover focus areas like equity, transportation, and electricity. (Register)

The Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program’s Technical Advisory Council (ICARP TAC) quarterly meeting will feature the 2021 State Adaptation Strategy Update and a public workshop on extreme heat. During this meeting the State will launch the 2021 State Adaptation Strategy update. The California Natural Resources Agency and the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, as coordinators of the strategy, will walk through the Administration’s proposed approach, share a high-level summary of the first public survey, and seek your feedback on draft organizing priorities. The meeting will also feature a Public Workshop on addressing Extreme Heat, featuring two listening sessions. Download the agenda for the full TAC meeting and the public workshop on extreme heat. (Register)

The climate challenges we face are undoubtedly immense. Communities are already facing the devastating impacts of wildfires, extreme heat, drought, and flooding, exacerbating historic and ongoing inequities in marginalized communities. However, we know that there are many successes to celebrate – from community-led initiatives to ambitious State actions and beyond. The adaptation community is growing and mobilizing; more communities are developing actionable adaptation plans; and we’re continuing to witness our collective transition from adaptation awareness and planning to real, on-the-ground action. Register for CAF 2021 to join us for this inspiring and engaging conversation with community and State leaders! (CAF)

The Capital Region Climate Readiness Collaborative is a membership based collaborative network designed to promote greater climate change resilience planning coordination in the six-county Sacramento Region. The purpose of this collaborative network is to create a forum where leaders from government, academia, environmental and community groups, the business community, and labor can come together to exchange information, identify vulnerabilities and data gaps, leverage resources, and advance comprehensive solutions in an effort to create stronger, sustainable, and economically viable communities in the Capital Region.

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