The first phase will include the procurement of electric vehicle fleets as part of Electrify Yolo Project
By CHRIS POONCE [email protected]
Under the first phase of environmental change, Davis has been going through changes in its environment. Electrify Yolo. Davis is the leader of this regional project. As Mayor Gloria Partida explained, one of its major goals was to expand the electric vehicle fleet.
Partida stated that Davis is committed to carbon neutrality. Partida stated that the City of Davis is committed to electrifying its fleet. As part of the Electrify Yolo regional Project (of which the City of Davis leads agency), we have initiated the first stage of making this a reality by exploring ways of installing electric vehicle infrastructure. This is the first phase of a gradual approach to electrify Yolo.
Jim Provenza of the Yolo County Board of Supervisors met the city on February 9 to discuss electric vehicle fleet procurement as well as other climate initiatives. The long-range planning centre, climate action initiatives and the adult day health care center were some of the topics under discussion. Mayor Partida spoke at the beginning of the meeting about the importance and necessity of cooperation between city and county efforts.
Thats the one thing I am interested in, figuring out ways that we can align some of our efforts with the county’s efforts, Partida said. Perhaps we can both save money on the efforts we put forth.
Both the county and city officials expressed their appreciation for the benefits of working together in implementing such environmental policies during the meeting. Both sides have a close relationship and work together to achieve their respective goals. Carbon negative by 2030Taro Echiburu, Director of Yolo County Community Services Department said that this is the case. Echiburu listed the first actions to take.
Echiburu stated that we might find it beneficial to create an actual fleet plan for electric vehicles to better understand what comes next. Do we buy the vehicles first? [install]First, the charging stations
Unitrans’s plan to go all-electric and the mapping of charging stations for its transportation was also discussed at the meeting. Davis has other plans to promote and encourage environmental responsibility. Davis announced on February 16 that it is seeking nominations to the 28th Annual Environmental Recognition Awards.
Local communities and counties are also making efforts to combat climate change and move to green energy. Davis City Council announced on February 23 that Valley Clean Energy will be accepting applications for two seats at-large to the Community Advisory Committee. Valley Clean Energy is responsible to provide green electric power as part of Yolo County’s climate initiatives. This agency includes Winters, Woodland and Davis. In an official statementChristine Shewmaker, a member of the CAC, explained the importance and impact of the CAC on the environment.
Shewmaker stated that she is a scientist who also loves the outdoors and the urgency to address climate changes. As a CAC member, I can help VCE fulfill its mission of providing clean electricity, taking action on climate change, and reinvesting in our community.
The fourth Thursday of each month is the date for CAC meetings. Virtual meetings are available to help with the pandemic. Members will also be elected for a three year long term.
The CAC is responsible to advise Valley Clean Energy members, and reflect the thoughts and opinions of the communities they represent (communities in Yolo County). A statementValley Clean Energy details that each VCE jurisdiction will be represented by two representatives (11 members in total).
The city of Davis encourages applicants from diverse communities. All residents aged 18 and over can apply on the aforementioned website. PDFListened on the Valley Clean Energy Website. You can send your application by mail to Valley Clean Energy, 604 2nd Street Davis, CA 95616, or via email. [email protected]
The Davis community is making progress towards green energy. Both Yolo County, Davis, and the community of Davis are working together towards achieving these goals. Don Saylor, County Supervisor, stated that the county is taking bold steps to realize their goals.
Saylor spoke highly of the county’s work with its climate action commission. She said that they have an aggressive goal and a deliberate approach to achieving it.
Written by: Chris Ponce city@theaggie.org