On January 20th, as one of his first acts in office, President Biden signed an executive order mandating that the United States rejoin the Paris Climate Accord. Doing so, he said "We’re going to combat climate change in a way we have not before." It will take 30 days for the change to take effect, but this is a first and solid step toward federal climate action.

Cities that signed the Climate Mayors Compact, like Mountain View, celebrated the move: "With the stakes so high, we are eager to collaborate with a federal administration committed to urgent, bold climate action at the national and international levels. As leaders on the ground, we keenly understand that climate action will not only protect human civilization and prevent irreparable climate disruption, but will also make American cities cleaner, healthier and more equitable."

For more information on the Climate Mayors statement, visit this link.

Have you done something creative with sustainability that you would like to share? Have you started a garden or found new ways to reuse old objects? Have you tried a new plant-based recipe or started biking instead of driving? Share these stories with us to be featured as a Sustainability Champion! Email sustainability@mountainview.gov with a picture of yourself and your story. We look forward to hearing from you!

Are you ready to electrify your home? SVCE is offering up to $2,000 in rebates to customers who replace their gas or electric resistance water heater with an efficient, electric heat pump version, decreasing harmful emissions in your home and community! View SVCE’s Heat Pump Water Heater Buyers Guide here.

An additional $3,000 in rebates is available for qualifying electric panel upgrades and income-qualified customers. Visit SVCE's website here to reserve your rebate.

The eHub features information on how change starts with clean electricity, how driving electric is the biggest single action you can take to stop pollution while saving money, and how you can improve your indoor air quality at home with efficient, electric appliances. Visit the new eHub here.

Were you impacted by a Public Safety Power Shutoff this year? SVCE has launched a new program with Sunrun to help customers install solar and battery storage systems to prepare for future power outages. If you choose to enroll in Lights On Silicon Valley, you can get an up-front rebate of $1,250 by agreeing to share some battery energy with the electricity grid during peak times, and only when there isn’t an outage. This rebate is available on top of other rebates and tax credits!

With this program, you get access to backup power, reduce your energy costs, and help our community develop a clean-energy power grid. Win-win-win! Interested participants can sign up for more information here.

Did you know that food is one of the largest contributors to the average Bay Area resident’s carbon footprint? Acterra, a local environmental non-profit, has launched its Healthy Plate, Healthy Planet program to help people reduce food waste and eat more plant-based meals. Learn about their online community, plant-forward challenge, upcoming events, and more here.

Attention Bay Area residents! The Air District’s Clean Cars for All Program has expanded to all Bay Area zip codes.

Income qualified residents who own a model year 2004 or older vehicle can receive up to $9,500 to retire their old vehicle and purchase or lease a new or used electric vehicle. Funding is available for electric vehicle charging equipment as well. You can also get a pre-loaded Clipper card (up to $7,500) for turning in your old vehicle. Incentive options vary depending on income and zip code.

Check if you are eligible for the Clean Cars for All program and apply here.

For additional information about this program, please contact (855) 256-3656 or cleancars@gridalternatives.org.

Acterra is hosting an event with Hope Bohanec, who has been active in environmental activism for 30 years. She is the host of "Hope for the Animals Podcast", and the author of the book "The Ultimate Betrayal: Is There Happy Meat?" The topic of the presentation is “Sentience in the Sea”, which will dive deep into the world of fish, explore the fishing industry, the environmental impacts of fishing, and the extensive scientific research confirming that fish are sentient individuals. Find more details and register here.

In an event hosted by Acterra, learn about induction technology and how to electrify your home. The transition to induction technology in your home is easier than ever. Not only does induction technology lessen air pollution, but it can also increase the comfort in your own home. We’ll help you discover different rebate programs that best suit you, and you'll learn how to manage Time-of-Use metering with Jessica, a PG&E representative. Find more details here.

Tune in for a discussion with Nik Kaestner, former Director of Sustainability at the San Francisco Unified School District, about how schools can become sustainability leaders. Register here.

Calling Bay Area sustainability leaders and climate action changemakers! Apply or nominate an individual for the first-ever "Champions of Promise Awards". Acterra will be celebrating Champions in four categories: beneficial electrification, food sustainability, youth climate activism, and workplace sustainability. The Champions of Promise Awards Ceremony will be held at Acterra's "Promise to Our Planet" Virtual Benefit on March 26, 2021. To apply or nominate by the deadline of February 10, 2021, fill out the form here.

The City of Sunnyvale is holding their second Drive Electric Sunnyvale webinar: "EV 201: Find the Electric Vehicle for Your Lifestyle." This free event will help you choose an EV, find available incentives, and prepare to bring your EV home. Bring your questions - their EV experts will help you better understand everything related to driving electric. Register for the free workshop here.

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