On several occasions this column has praised the developments and efforts of our local utility, SDG&E, as its leadership seeks to earnestly tackle global warming. Its efforts are very often sparingly understood or appreciated by the public, in part because media outlets focus on dramatic problems rather than pragmatic solutions. Practically speaking, problems are vastly easier to identify than solve, and there are far, far more problems than viable solutions.
Tackling global warming is an extraordinary effort, one which cannot actually be done by environmentalists or legislators or public commentators, but rests upon the shoulders of the people who must actually run and change our complex, tangible systems. Indeed, the public has asked little less than that those running our utilities perform the equivalent of heart surgery while the patient runs a marathon, without missing a heartbeat along the way.
It seems we entirely take for granted, almost as an article of faith, that large organizations do not need our support, help and encouragement, assuming instead that large means invincible and unstoppable. But inside such organizations are mere people, and in the case of modern utilities, people urgently seeking to solve one of the most difficult problems now facing humanity.
While my observations in support of some of SDG&E’s actions may seem a little out of step with the ordinary tendency of journalists or cynical critics, there is no doubt in my mind that we will mutually succeed or fail to deal with global warming through our support and assistance of those who are now running our energy and transportation systems. Our collective success requires tangible action on the ground.They are our team on the field who will accomplish it.Their success is ours.
Good news: On Feb. 28, SDG&E was presented the Supply Chain Leadership Award for being a leader in comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories, aggressive emissions-reduction goals, and leading-edge management of GHGs in their supply chains. Last year, SDG&E was awarded the Organizational Leadership Award for taking aggressive actions to reduce its carbon footprint.
Climate Leadership Awards are presented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO), the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) and The Climate Registry (TCR), and recognize organizations that go beyond business as usual in the management and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The national awards program recognizes and encourages exemplary corporate, organizational and individual leadership in reducing carbon pollution and addressing climate change.
Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation reportedly said: “I commend SDG&E for leading by example with their outstanding actions to help reduce carbon pollution…. SDG&E and all our Climate Leadership Award winners are tackling the challenge of climate change with practical, common-sense and cost-effective solutions to improve efficiency and cut waste.”
Pamela J. Fair, SDG&E vice president, environmental and operations support and chief environmental officer said: “At SDG&E, environmental stewardship is a corporate value and an important part of our culture. … We have a holistic and comprehensive view on sustainability and proactively look at incorporating sustainable best practices in everything we do.
“We are ‘greening’ our entire value chain – beginning with our suppliers – by challenging them to provide us with more sustainable solutions and greener products,” Fair said. “We challenge ourselves and our employees to continuously pursue more sustainable ways to operate our business and to provide service to our customers. Finally, we work every day with all our customers to offer programs and information to help them save energy.”
The scorecard for dealing with global warming is not seen in one place, and so, through such national awards we, as the public and ratepayers, are given a window upon how much progress is being made on our behalf.
Through its power-purchase agreements and other activities, it has become clear that SDG&E is focusing on achieving aggressive targets for renewable energy procurement, delivering innovative energy efficiency customer programs and encouraging the use of alternate-fueled vehicles, among other initiatives.
As I read through the various challenges, reports, summaries and announcements concerning global warming from many locales, it is rare to find elsewhere a more committed and progressive group of individuals than at SDG&E.
It is said you get more of what you reward. If that’s true, while various environmental groups organize to march on Washington, D.C., in order to protest against and focus on one crystallized matter or another, it also would be grand to see a greater number of supporters of the environment show up to applaud positive accomplishments by those who are making a real difference on the ground. The world that remains for generations to come would be far better for that effort, too.
Coffey is an attorney based in San Diego. He can be reached at daniel.coffey@sddt.com. Comments may be published as Letters to the Editor.
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