January 2023 Newsletter

February Study Session with Prescott City Council
On February 14 at 1pm, Prescott City Council will hold a Study Session on the Quad Cities Climate Profile. Dr. Alison Meadow of CLIMAS (see CLIMAS for their scope of work) will present the results of that report, and a brief conversation on "Local Climate Action Options" will follow.  All of this is the culmination of the PROTECT Campaign and the work of 14 stakeholder organizations that were convened in August of last year to provide input and guidance to both documents.  This is a huge milestone, laying the foundation for climate actions in our Quad Cities communities.  Check out our Climate Action Hub for the release of those documents in February.

Climate Action Hub has been Activated
This is your source for information on climate action being planned and currently underway in our communities.  We invite you to join any of the partner campaigns being undertaken.  If your organization has a project or initiative that impacts our climate adaptation and mitigation mission, contact us at yavapaiccc@gmail.com and we will increase your outreach into the community. The Climate Action Hub will highlight those actions and amplify your message.

 
Updates on Recent Activities
 
NAZCCA Electric Vehicle Campaign
Transportation by gasoline-powered vehicles significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions in Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino, and Dewey-Humboldt. NAZCCA is calling on the Quad Cities region and Yavapai County to transition to electric buses, cars, and trucks immediately. Fleet electrification will also save dollars in maintenance and fuel costs and protect human health from toxic exhaust.

Benefits of Electric Vehicles
 Less expensive to drive (the equivalent of over 200 MPG)
 Lower Noise Pollution
 No Tailpipe emissions (driving and idling)
 Lower Repair Costs (fewer parts)
 Faster Acceleration (fun to drive)
 Significant Rebates (up to $7,500)

For more information or to get involved with the local EV team, click here.

Solar United Neighbors
YCCC, Sierra Club, NAZCCA and the Interfaith Climate Action Team have partnered with the non-profit group, Solar United Neighbors, to launch the Quad Cities Solar Co-op to help residents go solar!  Building on successful campaigns in Flagstaff and Sedona, SUN and its local partners provide a unique and proven opportunity for residents to take advantage of the area's plentiful sunshine to convert their home to renewable energy.  The co-op is open to all homeowners in the Quad Cities.  Together, co-op members will leverage their numbers to purchase individual, top-quality solar systems at competitive prices. Stay tuned for public announcements of this exciting initiative in early March.

Prescott Valley Energy Audit
Last summer the Town of Prescott Valley retained Schneider Electric, a global energy specialist, to perform an energy audit. The audit's goals were to identify cost savings and efficiency opportunities for Town facilities; to identify opportunities for modernizing existing infrastructure; to provide innovative solutions to maximize Town resources, grant funding and economic impact; and to advance Town Council's Strategic Plan and 2035 General Plan.  The energy audit focus is on lighting and electrical, HVAC and building automation, smart city modernizations, and other innovative energy solutions. An interim report (or see a video of that presentation) last December presented a preliminary plan that results in $40 million of life-cycle savings!  Final project approval is anticipated this Spring. 

General Plan Updates Underway in Prescott and Chino Valley
General plan updates are underway in both Prescott as well as Chino Valley.  It is important to increase citizen engagement and oversight of these plans.  Chino Valley is utilizing an outside consultant to manage its process.  One community meeting was held last November, and a citizen questionnaire has been posted online.  A General Plan Review Committee has been established by the Prescott City Council.  That Committee is in the early stages of its work with City Staff.  A website link will go "live" next month or in early March. A presentation on the Quad Cities Climate Profile, to be released in February, will occur at their February 22 meeting.

Environmental Day at the Capitol
Environmental Day at the Capitol is an annual event sponsored by the Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter.  This year's advocacy gathering is on February 7. This event only happens through collaboration with 20 + other organizations. There will be information tables, speakers, and appointments with legislators. You do not need experience or be an expert, and there will be a team leader to help you with the legislative meetings. Our LD1 team leader is Gary Beverly.  In each Legislative District, team leaders will set up meetings with legislators. Training and background information on key environmental issues will be provided.  To register, click HERE.

CLIMATE EXTRAS
Need a little musical inspiration?  Listen to "Don't Burn the World"  and consider joining  YCCC and our local climate movement.  Contact us at yavapaiccc@gmail.com.   "WE are ALL in this TOGETHER!"

We are grateful for all of the stakeholders and activist volunteers who continue to partner with us.  Help us to ensure a climate resilient Quad Cities.
WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER!