Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement Following Green Cities California Unveiling of Best Practices Web Site

October 26, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement after Green Cities California, the collaborative of 10 cities and counties acknowledged as sustainability leaders, launched a Web site today that will serve as a resource for other communities striving to go green:

“As California continues to lead our nation in green technology and sustainability, it is essential that our cities and local governments step up and take the lead as well. It is fantastic to see these local cities coordinating their efforts to use green technology as an opportunity to stimulate the economy, build jobs and produce real solutions, and I urge other cities to take part and do the same. This is a local, grassroots movement that will continue to gain momentum. Together we will take action to ensure that our state is the pioneer in addressing important environmental issues.”

The California Department of Conservation (DOC) has also implemented the Emerald Cities Program which is an innovative, public-private partnership, designed to achieve California’s aggressive resource conservation and environmental goals. Through hands-on technical and financial assistance, the program will help local and regional communities become more environmentally sustainable and become part of the effort to meet the state’s environmental, energy and economic priorities.

Currently, the Emerald Cities Pilot Program works with the cities of Riverside and Tracy. Both are participants in the Comprehensive Recycling Communities Program (CRC), a DOC initiative that focuses state resources on local communities to increase beverage container recycling. Building upon these efforts, the Emerald Cities Pilot Program expands the focus to other environmental priorities including water conservation, energy efficiency, improved air quality, and protection of agricultural and open space lands.