| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 51.18 |
| Liaison | Miguel Martin |
| Submission Date | March 5, 2021 |
California State University, San Bernardino
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.33 / 2.00 |
Miguel
Martin Energy and Sustainability Manager Facilities Management |
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:
The local city council participates in a volume of campus events that support sustainability. The local city council is composed of several CSUSB alumni and are actively advocate for the improvement of environmental justice through policy advancement and legislation. The city's LRD committee meet often and discuss the city policy on various pollutants including: fireworks, two-stroke generators, event materials and usage along with the general provisions of community beautifications.
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
An example of CSU advocacy in public policy is exemplified in SB-1240 Electricity: distribution system: open access.(2019-2020). Existing law requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, at least every 2 years, to conduct assessments and forecasts of all aspects of energy industry supply, production, transportation, delivery and distribution, demand, and prices.
This bill would require the commission, in consultation with the Independent System Operator, to identify and evaluate options for transforming the electrical corporations’ distribution grids into more open access platforms that would allow local governments and other third parties to participate more easily in grid activities, as provided. The bill would require the commission to update the identification and evaluation at least once every 2 years. The bill would require the commission, beginning January 1, 2022, and biennially thereafter, to submit to the Legislature a report on the identification and evaluation of options
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:
In 2017, the CSU signed the We Are Still In pledge and coalition of over 1,400 cities, states, businesses and universities who are standing together to maintain U.S. leadership on climate change and clean energy. For more information, please visit: https://www2.calstate.edu/csu-system/news/Pages/CSU-Statement-on-Joining-%E2%80%98We-Are-Still-In%E2%80%99-Climate-Declaration.aspx
Chancellor Timothy White said in February 2018: “As I have stated repeatedly since before last September, providing those with DACA status a clear path for the future – to complete their education and build their careers – is indeed a wise decision for California and our nation. I continue to call on federal policymakers to stand up for our shared American values of inclusivity, opportunity and excellence – regardless of background or birthplace.”
Read more at: https://www2.calstate.edu/csu-system/news/Pages/Chancellor-White-Statement-on-DACA-February-26-2018.aspx
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:
A brief description of other political positions the institution has taken during the previous three years (if applicable):
During 2017 and 2018, the CSU took a clear and public position to support and lobby for the protection of DACA students (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). Specifically, 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 additionally, 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.
Read more at: https://www2.calstate.edu/impact-of-the-csu/government/advocacy-and-state-relations/Pages/default.aspx
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.