California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
PAE-24: Sustainability Policy Advocacy

Advocacy at CSU level includes the following: o The Office of Advocacy and State Relations (ASR) represents and advocates for California State University interests with state government through effective advocacy, outreach and communication and relations with the Legislature, state agencies and other external entities with the support of the system office, campuses, alumni and other supporters. o The CSU Office of Federal Relations (OFR) works in Washington, D.C., to advance the interests of the nation's largest and most diverse university system. The OFR serves as a resource to Washington-based policymakers, including the California Congressional delegation, as well as to educational associations and media. The OFR also leads system efforts each year to formulate and coordinate the federal priorities of the CSU's 23 campuses. Advocacy at CPP includes the following events: Waste to Energy Summit – Biomethane Summit: There is great interest in biological sources of methane as a supplemental fuel for natural gas, as communities continue to seek ways to reduce their carbon emissions. This Summit is an initial step in building a broader waste-to-energy research and demonstration initiative. Policy makers, energy and waste industry leaders, and energy consumers will discuss this local, renewable energy source and its importance to California’s economy and environment, and formulate next steps in the development of this University initiative. Participants Included: Grace Napolitano, Congresswoman, 38th District and Roger Hernandez, Assemblyman, 57th District http://www.csupomona.edu/~env/greenervalleys/Home.html Greener Valleys — a one-day interactive conference bringing together elected and appointed public officials, business and community leaders, academic and land use professionals. Recognizing that the San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire are inextricably linked by population, economic markets, jobs and transportation, the two regions no longer can forge individual futures but instead must work together for strong and sustained economic growth.