The California Green Rush

Top leaders prove that all that glitters must be green

Los Angeles, Calif. (May 12, 2010) – More and more of our state’s top industry, utility, and civic leaders are engaging in green business practices as a route to economic growth Californians continue to support the efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by companies, as prescribed in the state’s AB32 Climate Change legislation passed in 2006, while understanding that this need not be at the expense of bottom lines.  

Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) has already reached emissions reductions below 1990 leves, which is where they would need to be for AB32 by 2020. The utility has has been delivering clean, safe and reliable natural gas to its customers for more than 140 years.  It provides service to 20.9 million consumers through nearly 5.8 million meters in more than 500 communities.  The company’s service territory encompasses approximately 20,000 square miles throughout central and Southern California, from Visalia to the Mexican border.  Natural gas is the enabler of renewable generation, and SoCalGas is taking advantage of this relationship.  For example, solar water heating and solar thermal heating both utilize natural gas backup. SoCalGas customers receive rebates for installing these new technologies.  Moreover, SoCalGas is also committed to exploring and investing in new technologies to help make our air, lungs and environment healthier.
Because of its leadership in the region, BREATHE LA will honor SoCalGas with its highest distinction, the Breath of Life Award at its annual fundraising dinner, held Thursday, May 12, from 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, 506 South Grand Ave. 

Other recipients include Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster, to receive the Civic Leader of the Year Award, and Southern California Leadership Council, to receive the Community Impact Award.  Mary D. Nichols, Chairman of the California Air Resources Board, will be the keynote speaker at The Breath of Life Awards.

“We are proud to acknowledge Southern California Gas Company’s leadership in achieving extensive emissions reductions targets and implementing aggressive energy initiatives,” stated Dr. Richard Barbers, BREATHE LA chair of the Board.

“We at SoCalGas are honored to receive the Breath of Life Award from Breathe LA,” says Anne Shen Smith, Chief Operating Officer of SoCalGAs. “We share Breathe LA’s vision. It is important to us because our employees and our customers live and work here and breathe the air every day. We believe natural gas is the foundation for a sustainable, cleaner energy future. It will help us reduce pollution and maintain a clean and healthy environment. Today, natural gas is the predominant fuel for home and water, cooking, industrial heat processes and electricity generation and the back up to renewable energy. We are proud to serve our customers with this important natural resource.”

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BREATHE California of Los Angeles County (BREATHE LA) is non-profit public benefit organization dedicated to the future of clean air and healthy lungs in Los Angeles County. BREATHE LA was established in 1903 and has over a century of accomplishments. Our mission is to promote clean air and healthy lungs through research, education and technology.   For more information, go to www.BreatheLA.org.