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CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURE UPDATES
- November, 2007
The San Joaquin Valley: In Pursuit of Energy Independence By 2025
Governor Schwarzenegger has launched several important initiatives to address the complex energy needs of this state and to help combat climate change and protect our environment. As a strong supporter of these ongoing efforts, I commend the recent memorandum of understanding reached between the national 25x’25 Initiative and the San Joaquin Valley Clean Energy Organization (SJVCEO). At a meeting this month they committed themselves to answering this fundamental question- -what is the renewable energy potential of the San Joaquin Valley and what steps are necessary to achieve it?
George Gomes, undersecretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, served as emcee at the event. In his words, "This day was a great example of what can happen when a few leaders with a huge vision join forces to accomplish something big."
By signing this agreement in Lodi, these two groups--one a national renewable energy alliance and the other a regional California organization--committed themselves to identifying the most promising energy technology opportunities. They will target the constraints and challenges of these, and define a path forward for the eight counties of the San Joaquin Valley. This San Joaquin Valley project has the potential to serve as a model for similar efforts throughout California and across the nation.
Governor Schwarzenegger, along with twenty-five other governors, has endorsed the 25x’25 vision. The National 25x'25 Initiative is a coalition of nearly 600 agricultural, forestry, environmental, business, energy, labor, civic and governmental organizations. The coalition's goal is for America's farms, ranches and forests to achieve at least 25 percent of our nation's energy needs by the year 2025, using land-based, renewable resources, while still producing a safe, affordable and abundant supply of food, feed and fiber. Fuel is the added component in this new equation.
The SJVCEO is an innovative organization, created by the San Joaquin Valley Partnership, to act as a leader and help coordinate a regional approach to increasing the level of clean energy investments in the San Joaquin Valley. Nurturing efficient, renewable energy technologies can help ensure a reliable supply, grow the economy and improve air quality.
I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday as you enjoy the incredible bounty from California's farms and ranches. And during the upcoming holidays, please remember those less fortunate than yourselves. For our part this season, CDFA is once again assisting with the State Employees Food Drive and partnering with the California Emergency Foodlink and the Farmers' Rice Cooperative, to provide much-needed foodstuffs to under-served local communities.
As always, thank you for your support. Feel free to contact my office with any questions or concerns.
A.G. Kawamura
Secretary, California Department of Food and Agriculture1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
916-654-0433
Photo: J. Henderson/CDFA