Pacific Institute Online Update for September 2004

SEPTEMBER 2004 HEADLINES

Institute Explores Energy and Water Links and
the Business Risks of Water in Two New Reports

Businesses face a serious risk from water shortages and pollution -- and understanding the hidden links between water and energy can help us save water, reduce energy use, and cut air pollution. Those were the key points from two separate reports released by the Pacific Institute in August.

In "Energy Down the Drain," which was co-produced with the NRDC, Pacific Institute researcher Dr. Gary Wolff finds that "we can reduce our energy use, cut air pollution and create new energy supplies with cost-effective improvements to water efficiency." The report looks at water-related energy use in California and finds some surprising connections between these two seemingly unrelated topics.

The second report, "Freshwater Resources: Managing the Risks Facing the Private Sector," makes the case that businesses around the world, from beverage companies to chip manufacturers, are failing to prepare for the serious economic and political risks posed by growing competition for fresh water, the threat of water contamination, and rising water-related costs. Jason Morrison, writing with Dr. Peter Gleick, argues that water-related business risks are a serious and overlooked threat to many kinds of businesses. The report notes that there are a range of cost-effective solutions businesses can take to reduce these risks ranging from increased water efficiency to improved outreach and communication. The business risks report was covered by the Wall Street Journal (8/23) and both reports were also included in an Associated Press story.

"Energy Down the Drain" and "Freshwater Resources: Managing the Risks Facing the Private Sector" are both available online without charge.

Pacific Institute to California Air Resources Board: Indoor Air Pollution a Big Problem

Indoor air quality has long been identified as a key concern for environmental health, but few regulations address the air inside people's homes. Unfortunately, regulators are largely ignoring the impact that outdoor pollution has on indoor air and the impact of dirty indoor air on human health. Fanta Kamakate and Meena Palaniappan brought together a group of environmental health and justice organizations to respond to a California Air Resources Board draft report on indoor air pollution. In our response, we strongly recommend that the Board consider the disproportionate impact of diesel pollution on indoor air quality and diesel's role in cancer and asthma. Our study of diesel pollution in West Oakland found 5 times higher levels of diesel particulates in West Oakland homes than in other homes in Oakland.

"Clearing the Air" is available online without charge.

UPCOMING

9/23/04, San Francisco Climate Action Plan Release [San Francisco, Calif.], Dr. Peter Gleick will speak on the science of climate change and the best policy solutions at the release of the San Francisco Climate Action Plan. Info: Ian Hart, ihart @ pacinst.org.

9/24-9/25/04, Environmental Justice Summit 2004: Critique the Past, Explore the Present, and Project the Future [Richmond, Calif.], The Community Health Initiative, West County Toxics Coalition, and the Pomo Indians are holding a summit to discuss the past, present, and future of the environmental justice movement. Location: Neighborhood House, 820 23rd St. Info: Dr. Henry Clark, (510) 232-3427.

10/1/04, Ditching Dirty Diesel [Oakland, Calif.], The Pacific Institute and other organizations are convening a Bay Area-wide conference on diesel pollution, asthma, and public health. The conference will focus on the health impacts of diesel exhaust and solutions to reduce pollution. There is no fee, food will be provided, and registration (PDF) is required. Info: Meena Palaniappan, (510) 251-1600, or mpal@pacinst.org.

10/7/04, West Oakland Health Survey Release [Oakland, Calif.], The Pacific Institute and the West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project will unveil the results of a pilot West Oakland health survey at the Prescott Joseph Center, 920 Peralta, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Refreshments will be provided. Info: Emily Lee, 251-1600 or elee @ pacinst.org.

11/18-11/19/04, POWER Conference [Los Angeles, CA], Michael Cohen will discuss Colorado River basin drought conditions and solutions on two different panels. Dr. Gary Wolff will present his paper, "Economies of Scale and Scope in River Basin Management," to the Watershed Management panel. More info online.

STAFF UPDATES

9/16/04, Dr. Gary Wolff gave the keynote presentation to the Arizona Hydrological Society's 17th annual meeting, which focused on "The Value of Water". Dr. Wolff explained how value differences and conflicts shape the structure of government, which, if managed effectively, enables us to become wealthier. Dr. Wolff touched on several examples including demand management in California and the repayment structure for the Central Arizona Project. The meeting was held in Tuscon.

9/9/04, Michael Cohen organized and participated in a Salton Sea Coalition meeting where two of the most prominent rehabilitation alternatives were described by their proponents and reviewed by Coalition members.

9/8/04, Michael Cohen participated in the California Department of Water Resources Salton Sea Advisory Committee meeting.

9/7/04, Michael Cohen met with the Assistant Secretary of the Interior and Bureau of Reclamation staff, to discuss opportunities for improving the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program.

8/30-9/6/04, Jason Morrison attended the 12th Annual Plenary of ISO TC 207 - Environmental Management. Morrison serves as one of the US delegates for the environmental communications standard being developed by ISO (ISO 14063). He also serves as chair of a group that is developing a plan for improving the effectiveness of NGO participation in ISO 14000 standards development. During the meeting, Morrison presented the task force's recommendations for Phase 1 of the plan.

8/30-9/5/04, Margaret Gordon attended the Community Action Partnership's 2004 Annual Convention in Washington, DC to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964.

8/27/04, Michael Cohen participated in the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) Salton Sea Advisory Technical sub-committee meeting to provide guidance to DWR's Salton Sea consultant.

8/25/04, Mari Morikawa presented her work on participation in ISO's standard development process at "Standards, Democracy, and the Public Interest," a workshop hosted by the Ford foundation. The workshop, which took place in Paris, France, focused on how standards, and standards-setting organizations fit with modern ideals of democracy, public accountability, and the public interest.

8/23-8/24, Jason Morrison attended the semi-annual meeting of the U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to ISO Technical Committee 207, in Washington, DC. As Vice Chair of the national mirror body to TC 207, Mr. Morrison helps develop U.S. positions on issues pertaining to the ISO 14000 standards.

8/24/04, Meena Palaniappan made a presentation to the Regional Asthma Management Program's Environment Committee.

8/24/04, Michael Cohen met with Department of Interior staff, other NGO representatives, and the Assistant Secretary of the Interior to discuss drought management strategies for the Colorado River.

8/23/04, Dr. Gary Wolff co-chaired two sessions on the relationship between water and energy use at the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE). Participation in the sessions was strong and topics ranged from the release of "Energy Down the Drain" to the US EPA's efforts to develop a "Water Star" program similar to the existing Energy Star program. Many examples of the benefits of considering energy and water issues together were suggested by participants.

8/17/04, Michael Cohen gave a presentation on Western Water Policy to the Natural Resources Policy class at the federal Eastern Management Development Center.

8/16/04, Meena Palaniappan participated in a meeting between the US EPA and the West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project to design a collaborative process to reduce diesel pollution in West Oakland. The agreement between the two groups that Ms. Palaniappan helped design was approved in August.

8/13/04, Margaret Gordon, Emily Lee, and Azibuike Akaba met with City traffic engineers to discuss re-routing truck traffic in West Oakland. After hearing feedback from community members, the Environmental Indicators Project will meet with the city to discuss a revised truck route.

8/9/04, Fanta Kamakate presented a draft technical report on diesel pollution in West Contra Costa County to the West Contra Costa County Asthma and Diesel Committee. This is the first step in a broader effort to identify sources of diesel pollution and reduce pollution in West County.

8/5-8/6/04, Catalina Garzon, Margaret Gordon, and Emily Lee participated in the Environmental Justice Action Camp coordinated by Azibuike Akaba, the West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project Community Technical Assistance Coordinator. Ms. Gordon gave a presentation on the Healthy Homes Project, which aims to improve indoor air quality in West Oakland homes. The camp was held at the Oakland Army Base.

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