Blog
A space for learning.
How COVID-19 Could Help Us Get Through the Climate Crisis
In an interview with the Santa Barbara Independent Sigrid Wright, Executive Director of the Community Environmental Council shares her reflections on the similarities between the coronavirus pandemic and the climate crisis, and how the current emergency could help us navigate the even bigger threat to our future.
CEC Holds Timely Home Energy Storage Workshops
In the Fall and Winter of 2019, the Community Environmental Council (CEC) partnered with city and county energy staff, local solar and energy companies, and community leaders to host three energy storage workshops in Santa Barbara, Montecito, and Ventura in response to a growing interest in solar-paired battery systems.
More BMP Bike Lanes, Please
Santa Barbara community members showed up in force on Thursday, October 29 to express their concerns about a new “watered down” version of the Bicycle Master Plan at a special joint meeting of the City’s Transportation and Circulation Committee and the Planning Commission.
A Workplace Charging Station Win
Dona is an Oxnard resident who spent a couple of years planning to purchase an electric vehicle (EV). Motivated by the potential fuel savings and minimal maintenance, as well as her desire to live more sustainably, she had done a lot of research. Then her employer, the Port of Hueneme, installed EV charging stations in their parking lot. She decided to make the leap.
An Interview with a Happy BMW i3 Owner
CEC sat down recently with Krystalin, a Ventura resident who made the switch to a BMW i3. Below, she shares what motivated her to buy an all-electric vehicle, how it fits her daily life, why she sees herself as an EV advocate, and what challenges she hopes to see alleviated in the future as clean transportation becomes the norm.
Local Governments Say Yes to Electric Vehicles
CEC has long been on the front lines of advocating and developing infrastructure for a transition to electric vehicles in our region. This year has seen big strides with local governments adopting strategies to move their fleets to electric vehicles and to provide more charging access to employees and the public.
Santa Barbara Bicycle Master Plan Progress
Nearly every seat in the house was taken at the Santa Barbara City Council on Tuesday, July 21, 2019 for the Bicycle Master Plan (BMP) hearing. Learn more about the plan, community suggestions, and next steps.
Saving Money by Driving Electric
With a variety of incentives and an increasing variety of electric vehicles coming onto market, electric vehicles are more affordable than ever. Find out how one couple – Forrest and Mandy Blanton – saved thousands in the past five years by choosing to drive electric.
Electric Drive 805: Supporting the Switch to Clean Vehicles
CEC is proud to announce the launch of “Electric Drive 805,” a new coalition of government agencies and nonprofits that will lead local efforts to increase access to affordable electric vehicles.
