California State University, Los Angeles
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy

Cal State LA is home to the Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs. Each year, the Pat Brown Institute host conferences and offers programs that extend the University’s engagement with the public on key issues, including sustainability. In November of 2015, PBI and the University sponsored a conference on the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. This event brought together city officials, legislators, corporate leaders and others. The main focus of the conference was the ports and sustainability. In April of 2016, PBI further promoted discussion of sustainability issues through its 35th annual dinner. The theme for the conference was “California Shows the Way: Leadership in the Face of Climate Change.” The event attracted hundreds of people, including representatives from two consulates, top city leaders, and included a discussion on public policy related to climate change and its impact on international agreements. Guests of honor included California Senate President pro Tem Kevin de Leon, who has contributed greatly to higher education and has provided extraordinary leadership in the Senate on climate and clean energy; and David Gelber and Joel Bach producers who applied their creative talents to making the issue of climate change real and accessible to a wide audience through their docu-series. The event also included promotion of hydrogen cars with a display. Two hydrogen cars were brought from Cal State LA and parked inside the building outside the ballroom where the event was held. In the past PBI has hosted conferences and events on DWP and on the drought in California. PBI and the University have consistently promoted awareness and discussion around sustainability issues. By providing these platforms it has contributed to and influenced public policy, which begins with awareness. PBI’s website includes information about past events and reports.

In April 2016, Cal State LA President William A. Covino joined other university presidents and chancellors in signing the Climate Leadership Statement with Second Nature, a non-profit organization dedicated to making the principles of sustainability fundamental to every aspect of higher education. The signing further demonstrates Cal State LA's commitment to exercise leadership in the community and throughout society by providing the knowledge, research, practice, and graduates to create a positive and sustainable future.

http://www.patbrowninstitute.org/