Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies
Ships in the Santa Barbara Channel emit 40% to 50% of the ozone-forming pollution in our airshed, but air districts cannot regulate them to help meet federal and state standards, explains Tyler Harris with VCAPCD. Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies, which the district helped launch, is a voluntary program through which ships lower their speed to reduce air pollution as well as the risk of ship strikes and underwater noise that harm whales.
Ohana Pet Hospital
Ventura’s Ohana Pet Hospital received a Cool California Small Business Award from the California Air Resources Board. Ohana was one of four businesses statewide recognized in the “Business of the Year” category. The award recognizes exceptional climate change management practices and emission reductions while documenting cost savings, return on investment and benefits received from environmental actions.
Oil Field Inspections
Join former VCAPCD Supervising Air Quality Specialist Eric Wetherbee as he introduces viewers to district oil field inspection operations. From Upper Ojai, Wetherbee explains why and how local oil fields are inspected.
Rincon Consultants Inc.
Tucked away on an ordinary street in Ventura, Rincon showcases the first commercial Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified building in Ventura County. Supported by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED certification recognizes buildings that were designed, built and/or maintained with sustainability in mind. Take a tour of Rincon and see how some simple changes they made can make a world of difference in the environment, including our air quality.
EVs in Ventura County
Former VCAPCD Air Quality Engineer Stan Cowan shares information about EV charger stations, including one at The Collection in Ojai. For current information on district grants for charging stations, contact Holly Galbreath at holly@vcapcd.org or 805-303-3666 or Danny McQuillian at danny@vcapcd.org or (805) 303-3662.
Hill Canyon Treatment Plant
Amid the natural beauty of open space in the city of Thousand Oaks, former plant Superintendent Chuck Rogers describes the world-class, energy-saving projects at the facility. From almost 3,000 solar panels to a state-of-the-art cogeneration facility, Hill Canyon produces 100% of its energy needs and is exploring ways to export excess electricity to other city facilities.
Houweling’s Tomatoes
Casey Houweling says his company’s respect for the planet inspires him to innovate and invest in green business practices. This includes photovoltaic solar panels, water conservation, recycling 90% of waste and the 13.2 megawatt heat-and-power cogeneration technology discussed in this clip. For its efforts, the company received the 2011 California Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award.
Ojai Valley School
The high school campus in Upper Ojai is teaching a green lesson to its students while helping the environment. The school installed a photovoltaic system that supplies 85% of its energy needs and reduces its carbon footprint by 690,000 pounds annually. Because of this project, the school received the 2013 Ventura County Climate Action Award.
Island Packers
Cherryl Connally, co-owner of Island Packers in Ventura Harbor, often cites this Jacques Cousteau quote: "People protect what they love." And Island Packers is committed to protecting the ocean and all natural resources as it takes visitors to the Channel Islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary. Aside from the boat engines discussed here, the company uses low-energy lighting, recycled products, biodegradable cleaning products, and organic food in its concessions. Staff members also monitor seabird population and marine toxins.
Port of Hueneme
CEO and Director Kristin Decas discusses how the Port of Hueneme, the only deep-water port between Los Angeles and San Francisco, is tackling air quality emissions while providing economic and social benefits to the people and communities it serves.
Jeff Bass
Meet Jeff Bass, a Ventura County resident who has taken many steps to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Hear about the ways he has shrunk his carbon footprint, from solar panels to the local farmer’s market.