LAKE COUNTY
Woodsmoke Reduction Program
The Lake County Air Quality Management District will begin taking applications for the Woodsmoke Reduction Pilot Program began this week. There is $135,000 available for residents of Lake County who want to replace an uncertified wood stove or fireplace insert with a new, EPA certified wood, electric, or gas device.
Background on Program:
The Woodsmoke Reduction Pilot Program is a voucher program supported by the California Climate Investments (CCI) Program and administered by local air districts. This program provides vouchers to replace non-EPA certified wood-burning stoves and fireplace inserts with an EPA-certified woodstove or insert, or a natural gas, propane, or electric heating device. A wood-burning fireplace used as a primary source of heat may also qualify.
For certain communities designated by the state and for low-income households, the vouchers may cover the entire cost of the replacement (up to $8,000). After all the low income applications are processed or after 2 months of the start of the program, a standard voucher of $2,500 is available to all households that want to upgrade to a 2020 compliant woodstove or cleaner device, and $1,500 for a standard EPA certified device. (If funds are still available, the standard vouchers will be issued)
Homeowners and tenant occupied residential homes are eligible. Tenant applicants must obtain owner approval prior to receiving a voucher.
How to Apply:
Applications are available at the Lake County Air Quality Management District office: 2617 S. Main Street, Lakeport, CA 95453 or by email at fahmya@lcaqmd.net (Fahmy Attar).
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KELSEYVILLE
Free solar workshop
Homeowners, join us at the Kelseyville Methodist Church at 3810 Main St. Kelseyville (across from the Saw Shop Bistro) at 5:30 pm on Monday, October 29 for a fun and informative free workshop on solar energy for your home presented by Carol Cole-Lewis, Powur Expert Consultant.
You will learn the basics of solar energy, and gain the ability to interview with confidence any potential solar installer you may wish to consider. You’ll also have the opportunity to see if your home qualifies for solar, and the option to receive a proposal for zero-down solar tailored for just for you.
Bring a copy of your most recent PG&E bill to see how you could start saving money on day one by installing solar.
If you have any questions, call or text Carol Cole-Lewis at 707-413-0044, email her at carol@upstartenergy.com , or visit Upstart Energy’s website at http://upstartenergy.com
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CLEARLAKE
Bus Trip to Reno
The local SIR (Son’s in Retirement) Branch 168 will sponsor a bus trip to Reno, November 28, 29, & 30 (Wed.-Fri.). One highlight of the trip will be a dinner/show, a Christmas Spectacular featuring the “Unbelievables”. Bus from Clearlake (two pickups), two nights at the Eldorado, a breakfast buffet, a cocktail party and the dinner/show – $175 per person double occupancy. Singles slightly higher. Guests are welcome to join a friendly group. Call Bob @ 279-0187 or Patty @ 279-1118 for reservations.
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CLEARLAKE
Halloween
District Attorney Don Anderson will be distributing free pumpkins and candy to those in need for Halloween. The event will start at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday October 20, at Austin Park in Clearlake and go until all pumpkins and candy are gone.
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SACRAMENTO
Legislation
When the Legislature finally gaveled down earlier in the year, it had approved about 900 bills. Here’s a look at some of the most interesting or consequential ones which found their way to Gov. Brown’s desk. Even though a Sept. 30 deadline to sign or veto all bills has passed—or a bill can become law without the governor’s signature.
We’ll keep updating here to inform readers which bills will or has become law in California.
100 PERCENT RENEWABLE ENERGY
WHAT THE BILL WOULD DO
Kevin de León’s SB 100 would require the state’s utilities to acquire 100 percent of their power from clean energy sources by 2045. California and Hawaii would be the only two states with such ambitious renewable energy goals.
WHO SUPPORTS IT
A long list of environmental groups and public health advocates are joined by solar energy companies, who all say that the state has proved that it can speed up adoption of renewable energy from the sun, wind and hydroelectric plants.
WHO’S OPPOSED
Oil companies and manufacturing groups strongly opposed the bill, saying that ratepayers would be punished by higher rates.
WHY IT MATTERS
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is at the core of California’s battle against climate change. By prioritizing renewable energy—and cutting carbon from the atmosphere–the state continues its environmental leadership.
Signed by Gov. Brown on September 10, 2018.
—Julie Cart, CALmatters
