| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 70.79 |
| Liaison | Barbara Queen |
| Submission Date | June 20, 2022 |
California State University, Los Angeles
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Jocelyn
Stewart Director for Communications Office of Communications and Public Affairs |
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the municipal/local level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the municipal/local level:
Cal State LA advocates for projects that provide sustainable, affordable and future-ready transportation options to underserved communities in the Los Angeles area. In partnership with Metro, the City of Los Angeles, SCAG, and other collaborating agencies, Cal State LA is working to advance sustainable transportation at the local level.
The University is in current discussions with LA County Bicycle Coalition to create a bicycle lending programs whereby students and employees could adopt bikes as a primary means of transportation. Cal State LA is a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) to the Cal State LA Metrolink station located on the south end of the campus, and partners with Metro to offer the U-Pass program to students.
In 2021, Cal State LA was selected as one of 6 key destinations for a mobility hub on the northern end of the campus. The goal is to improve mobility in the heavily congested region surrounding the northern end of the 710 Freeway by identifying future Mobility Hub locations that will offer more transportation options, public spaces, and environmentally-friendly features for the community. Mobility hubs can include bike parking, rideshare, wifi, wayfinding, and other amenities. In April of 2022, Cal State LA was the site of a workshop on these issues.
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level:
The California State University (CSU) participates in public policy through open dialogue with the State Relations & Advocacy Office which advocates through lobbying efforts on behalf of the CSU system. The CSU’s Advocacy and State Relations (ASR) team monitors all sustainability legislation that impacts the CSU specifically. It also participates in state-wide advocacy on issues, such as climate change policy, energy efficiency, water resources and other utility issues that impact the operation and physical facilities. ASR and the Chancellor’s Office also work with the Governor’s Offices and are members of the Direct Access Customer Coalition (DACC) and the Alliance for Retail Markets advocacy groups to advocate for the best interest of the CSU on energy and sustainability efforts.
The CSU provides public comment, meets with legislative staff, and testifies at budget subcommittee hearings in order to express CSU support for regulatory initiatives and activities related to carbon emission reductions and climate resiliency.
The CSU’s advocacy, in collaboration with the Board of Trustees, work to ensure diverse stakeholders are represented and considered in decision-making processes.
Examples include
Free student transit passes: eligibility for state funding (AB 2176)
Electricity: microgrids (SB 1215)
Electricity: distribution system: open access (SB 1240)
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the national level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the national level:
On July 19, 2021, President Covino signed a letter with other University Presidents urging U.S. Senators to pass DREAM Legislation (https://www.presidentsalliance.org/dream-act-signatories/)
In addition, the CSU has taken a clear and public position to support and lobby for the protection of DACA students (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). The CSU offers free legal support services (https://www2.calstate.edu/attend/student-services/resources-for-undocumented-students/Pages/legal-support-services.aspx) throughout the system, and all 23 CSU campuses offer resources to support (https://www2.calstate.edu/attend/student-services/resources-for-undocumented-students/Pages/campus-support.aspx) undocumented students.
Cal State LA is also a signatory of the Second Nature Climate Leadership Commitment, leveraging the power of Second Nature's network to lobby for climate policy at the national level. By signing, the University has committed to moving toward carbon neutrality and also is part of a larger, ongoing effort to advocate for national climate policy. (https://secondnature.org/wp-content/uploads/Carbon-Commitment_Charter-Signatories.pdf)
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the international level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the international level:
Cal State LA is a member of of Race to Zero, a global campaign to rally leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, investors for a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery that prevents future threats, creates decent jobs, and unlocks inclusive, sustainable growth. Led by the High-Level Climate Champions for Climate Action, it mobilizes a coalition of leading net zero initiatives, representing cities, regions, businesses, the biggest investors, and universities and colleges. These ‘real economy’ actors join 120 countries in the largest ever alliance committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 at the latest. Collectively these actors now cover nearly 25% global CO2 emissions and over 50% GDP.
The objective is to build momentum around the shift to a decarbonized economy ahead of COP26, where governments must strengthen their contributions to the Paris Agreement. This will send governments a resounding signal that business, cities, regions, investors and universities and colleges are united in meeting the Paris goals and creating a more inclusive and resilient economy. By joining the Race to Zero, Cal State LA demonstrates its commitment to the net zero agenda as well as leadership on a global level at COP26 in November 2021.
A brief description of other political positions the institution has taken during the previous three years (if applicable):
A brief description of political donations the institution made during the previous three years (if applicable):
As a publicly-funded institution, this is not applicable.
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability advocacy efforts is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.