Semiannual Report Accomplishments & Priorities

July 2000 - December 2000 

Mission: 

To restore, protect and enhance the environment to ensure public health, environmental quality and economic vitality.

Vision: 

A California that enjoys a clean, healthy, sustainable environment that enhances the quality of life for current and future generations, and protects our diverse natural resources.

• Introduction
• Dear Fellow Californian
• Air Resources Board
• Department of Pesticide Regulation
• Department of Toxic Substances Control
• Integrated Waste Management Board
• Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
• Office of the Secretary
• State Water Resources Control Board & Regional Water Quality Control Boards

Introduction

This document reports significant accomplishments of each of the boards and departments within the Cal/EPA family for the second six months of 2000. It also defines goals for the first six months of 2001.

The purpose of this document is to ensure that all interested parties - legislators and staff, environmental organizations, media, and industry - have a clear picture of where we have been and where we are going.

Future reports will be published shortly after the end of each six-month period so that we account for our activities and generate a dialogue regarding the direction Cal/EPA is taking.

Winston H. Hickox, Agency Secretary
California Environmental Protection Agency

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Dear Fellow Californian:

The energy challenge facing California is real and affects all of us. Its potential to affect our environment is real as well, and that is one reason our immediate action is important.

In the long run, we will solve the problem of cleanly generating plentiful electricity. In the short term, the smartest and most environmentally sensible plan is conservation. That is why I am asking you to join me and millions of Californians in cutting our energy use.

California continues to experience electrical shortages. Early this year there were rolling blackouts. To reduce the risk of power outages, the most important action we can take is to use less energy.

The Governor and leaders of the California Legislature are working with utility companies, power suppliers and consumer groups to fashion long-term solutions for reliable and affordable electricity. The State has already implemented a program to reduce energy consumption by a minimum of ten percent (10%).

You have an important role at your workplace and in your home.

California has the power of nearly 35 million people. By reducing our electricity demand, we can reduce prices, avoid shortages and lower energy bills.

Here are easy ways to cut energy use at home:

• When using your furnace, turn your thermostat down to 68° F degrees or lower during the day, and 55° F at night. During air conditioning season, set the thermostat at 78° and, when the outside air cools, turn off the air conditioner and open the windows.
• Use lower washing temperatures and line dry clothes whenever you can. Take a short shower instead of a bath.
• Turn out lights in empty rooms. Cut the use of non-essential appliances. When not in use, turn off computers and other electronic equipment completely. Unplug electronic chargers when not in use (e.g., cell phone chargers).
• Refrigerators use one-sixth of a home's energy. Dusting coils and checking door seals can help save electricity. You can set the temperature as high as 38° without spoiling food.

At work:

• Minimize energy usage during the peak demand hours of 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (If possible shift high energy use tasks to non-peak hours.)
• As at home, set your thermostat to conserve energy.
• Turn off unneeded lights and equipment, especially in unused offices and conference rooms. Turn down other lighting when possible.
• Turn computers, copiers and other office equipment to low-power standby mode. Turn equipment off at the end of the workday.
• Use inkjet printers rather than laser printers to save up to 90 percent on printer energy costs. Use laptop computers if possible. Laptops use significantly less energy than typical desktop models.
• Buy ENERGY STARTM equipment, products, and lights.

Thank you for doing your part to conserve energy.

Sincerely,

^{Winston H. Hickox}

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