Jerry Brown was one of my Person of the Planet choices for 2017. In 2018, his last year as governor of California, he has put forth an ambitious target for Californians. He would like to put 5 million zero-emission cars on the road by 2030. The $2.5 billion funding needed for this, would come from the state's cap-and-trade program ($1.6 billion) and the California Energy Commission ($900 million). Presently, about 50% of California's greenhouse emissions come from vehicles on the road. By 2020, California law seeks to reach the emissions levels of 1990, and reduce it further by another 40% by year 2030. California leads the nation, with 350,000 zero-emission vehicles on the road up from 25,000 six years ago. Rebate incentives exist for buying electric and plug in hybrids. So...... next time you are thinking of buying a new car, think battery-electric vehicles and plug in vehicles. The ambitious proposal of our state to build 250,000 vehicle-charging stations (14,000 presently) and 200 hydrogen refueling stations (31 presently), will make it a lot easier to keep the vehicles moving.
My second choice for Person of the Planet is Jessica Morse, a young, 35 year old bright new-comer to politics who has a passion for helping the environment. She is a candidate hoping to represent the 4th district near Tahoe. She is currently favored by 55% of the delegates and is very likely to be chosen as a democratic candidate for the district. Jessica will be in the Bay area next Wednesday and Thursday 2/7 & 8. If you interested in meeting her, let me know at lshantiom@gmail.com and I can give you specifics. Her site is www.morse4congress.com. I support advocates for the healthy preservation of our natural resources.
When you are "out and about" and you see some litter, well yes, pick it up. One man, Jeff Kushner has made litter his passion. His goal is to rid the world of all litter. We are fortunate to have the Litterati founder with us in two weeks, Thursday, February 15, 7:00pm, 52 Arlington in Kensington. Check out his Ted Talk.
Lastly, a philosopher friend, Americ Azevedo challenges us in his blog to "Return again and again to where you feet stand; feeling the earth support you... becoming as little children again."