Pamela Epstein

In a new study conducted with Kaiser Permanente, we found that adolescent cannabis use is higher in areas where local sales or delivery are allowed, or where protections are weaker. Greater retailer density and proximity to homes are linked to increased use, as well as higher rates of problematic use. These findings show that even with legalized cannabis sales, cautious local policies and licensing can significantly reduce teen use. Legal age limits alone are not enough. Greater distance and lower retailer density are associated with lower teen use, with fewer indications of a shift to the illicit market. Our upcoming cannabis policy scorecards will evaluate how well localities are tackling this issue. Last year, we found that 74% of localities permitting storefronts require retailers to maintain greater distances from schools and youth facilities than state law mandates—highlighting the need for improvement. Stay tuned! https://lnkd.in/gJ2gacep #Cannabis #Marijuana #PublicHealth #YouthHealth #CannabisPolicy

1

Last week, California Governor Gavin Newsom proposed delaying the implementation date of the climate-related financial disclosure requirements SB 253 and 261 from 2025 to 2027. He cited infeasibility in meeting the original deadline and concern over inconsistent reporting as a result. The proposed amendments would also delay reporting on Scope 1 and 2 emissions to 2028 and Scope 3 until 2029. California's climate disclosure rules that were passed in October 2023 are more stringent than the SEC rules that were finalized in March 2024, and affect many of the same companies. The SEC rules have been stayed pending litigation. Despite this news, several other states are pushing forward on their own climate-related financial disclosure rules. New York, Washington State, Illinois and Minnesota have all introduced bills, much of which is similar to California but with slight nuances in each case. For example, New York would require annual reporting whereas California requires reporting only every other year. Illinois's bill also requires companies to report on Scope 3 emissions, but gives them just six months extra time to do so, rather than the additional two years that California allows. Despite the legal and logistical challenges facing climate-related financial disclosure rules, the continued momentum across various states gives an overall sense of inevitability to mandatory climate reporting in the US. https://lnkd.in/eDqdrRUJ #climateregulations #esgregulations #SECclimate #CSRD #TCFD

12

🌍 California's SB 219: Extending the Timeline for Climate Disclosure Compliance California continues to lead the charge in corporate climate accountability. With the passing of #SB219 , the timeline for implementing key provisions under Senate Bills 253 and 261 has been extended, allowing businesses additional time to prepare for the state's groundbreaking climate disclosure requirements. What Does SB 219 Mean for Businesses? SB 219 provides much-needed flexibility by: Extending CARB’s Regulatory Deadlines: The California Air Resources Board (CARB) now has until July 1, 2025, to finalize regulations for Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting. Aligning Reporting Timelines: Scope 1 and 2 reporting begins in 2026, while Scope 3 reporting, which includes emissions across a company’s entire value chain, starts in 2027. This extension acknowledges the complexities of collecting and verifying GHG data, particularly for Scope 3, which requires coordination across diverse suppliers and partners. The Importance of Acting Now While SB 219 offers additional time, the scale of work required to meet these obligations remains significant. Businesses must: 1️⃣ Build Comprehensive Emissions Reporting Systems: Ensure accurate data collection across all GHG scopes. 2️⃣ Engage Suppliers: Collaborate with supply chain partners to track and report indirect emissions. 3️⃣ Invest in Expertise: Leverage tools and services to streamline compliance and enhance data accuracy. 💡❓How Carbon Sustain Can Help At Carbon Sustain, we recognize the challenges in navigating these complex climate disclosure requirements. Our solutions are designed to: Simplify Scope 1, 2, and 3 Tracking: Offering advanced tools for accurate emissions reporting. Streamline Supplier Engagement: Helping you connect with your value chain for transparent data sharing. Prepare for Compliance and Beyond: Ensuring your company is ready for 2026 and positioning you as a leader in sustainability. We’re also thrilled to have insights from Panos N. Patatoukas, a leading expert in sustainability analytics and data-driven decision-making. His expertise reminds us that compliance isn’t just about meeting regulatory requirements—it’s an opportunity to drive innovation, enhance transparency, and build trust with stakeholders. Turn Compliance into a Competitive Edge SB 219 isn’t just about regulatory compliance—it’s an opportunity for businesses to align operations with sustainable practices and gain a competitive edge in an increasingly climate-conscious market. Let’s turn compliance into a catalyst for growth! Connect with Carbon Sustain today to prepare your business for this new era of climate accountability. Source: California Climate Disclosure Laws [https://lnkd.in/gZySPM9w] #climateaccountability #sustainability #emissionsreporting #netzero #carbonemissions #businesssustainability #climatecompliance #CarbonSustain

7

In #Sonoma, #California, social equity #grants have seemingly favored the already inequitable equation. https://lnkd.in/gtxVmvQT #cannabis #compliance #recreational #medical #adultuse #socialequity #icomply #marijuana www.icomplycannabis.com

2

New job opportunities are on the way for CA. CalRecycle is now accepting applications for $40 million in redemption innovation technology grants on top of $15 million in workforce development grants rolling out this year to build the future of recycling in California. The state will also promote workforce development in this space through the California Jobs First Council (https://lnkd.in/gXnvQJPf) The state recently released draft regulations for Governor Gavin Newsom’s “Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act” (SB 54, enacted in 2022), kicking off the formal rule-making process. “For too long, plastic polluters have passed the buck on the growing burden of plastic waste contaminating the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat,” said Governor Newsom. “California is leading the way to hold producers responsible, drive sustainable innovation and green jobs, and support the most impacted communities. We have to act now, with urgency, to give our kids a future without plastic pollution.” This law requires the following by 2032: * Sell 25% less single-use plastic packaging and food ware in the state. * Make all single-use packaging and plastic food-ware recyclable or compostable. * Recycle 65% of single-use plastic packaging and food ware. See more at https://lnkd.in/gAvR3J8D

1

Every election year, voter information can seem daunting, with dense language that can be confusing and difficult to understand. That's why ABC10 is launching a voter engagement project to simplify the information and provide nonpartisan, straightforward details that help you vote.🗳 We're partnering with local organizations to attend events across Sacramento County where we'll survey community members and find out what information they need ahead of the election. More details on abc10.com ⬇ #voterengagement #2024election #vote #localjournalism

7

ALERT | California Governor Announces PAGA Reform Deal Reached, Removing Ballot Proposal | 07.20.2024   On June 18, 2024, Governor Newsom’s office announced that the pending ballot initiative to repeal PAGA (the Private Attorneys General Act) would be removed from the November ballot, due to a “negotiated deal,” reforming PAGA in a way that, “works for both business and workers,” and will “bring improvements to this system.” This package was, per Politico, negotiated over several weeks “behind the scenes.” This is similar to recent FAST Act reforms that were removed from the ballot, and also negotiated behind the scenes, and benefitting some parties more than others. Click here to read more: https://lnkd.in/gYwQxW8u #AALRR #PAGA #NegotiatedDeal

1

🌾 Farmers in California are facing new challenges as land subsidence disrupts irrigation systems. How will this affect our food supply? #Agriculture #WaterCrisis #Regulosity #LegalMarketAccess https://lnkd.in/gc6AxwdM

4

Northern California Regional, Siskiyou, and Sonoma Land Trust staff joined a Land Trust Alliance delegation last month to communicate policy priorities, including 2024 Farm Bill passage, and directing remaining Inflation Reduction Act dollars for conservation title. What would you say if you had 20 minutes to visit with a congressional staffer or member? Read more https://lnkd.in/ggNzH6uP #LAND4All #advocacy #conservationpolicy #conservation

2

Last week, the California Legislature passed significant #EPR bills to establish several new programs and strengthen existing ones. Now awaiting Governor Newsom's signature, the bills include first-in-the-nation EPR programs for #textiles and #marineflares, the second EPR law for EV #batteries in the country, and meaningful amendments to California’s #carpet and #paint stewardship programs. The Governor has until September 30 to sign the bills. These bills incorporate best practices learned in the past 10 years and put on display the blossoming of the EPR movement in the U.S. They also exemplify the important state-based advocacy of the California Product Stewardship Council, Californians Against Waste, and the National Stewardship Action Council. Read more about each of these bills in our blog: https://lnkd.in/djNg-QvA

7

Dozens of union members rallied Wednesday in Sacramento, calling on lawmakers to pass a set of bills called the California Worker Climate Bill of Rights. The bills are intended to integrate worker's rights into the clean-energy transition. The #ClimateResilientSchoolsAct would create the first master plan to make sure our schools have clean, cool air, adequate shade and energy-efficient buildings and buses. Jeff Freitas, president of the California Federation of Teachers, explained the importance of the bill. "The bill also looks at everything that is needed," Freitas emphasized. "In terms of how it can help the state, how it can help the school environment and how it can help the students creating not only a more welcome space but a healthier space for our students and the workers there." A second bill would require safety measures for workers at biofuel facilities. A third proposal would create a permanent fund for workforce development training -- with federal climate infrastructure monies coming -- and create labor standards for programs receiving federal dollars. Amber Parrish Baur, executive director of the Western States Council of the United Food and Commercial Workers union, said if we leave things to big business, the transition will mean unplanned layoffs, the creation of low-wage jobs and the decimation of the public sector. "If we win strong labor standards in every emerging and shifting energy industry, we can ensure we have high-road jobs with family-sustaining wages and good benefits in green industries," Parrish contended. The group is also calling for full funding in the new state budget to support workers displaced from the oil and gas industry. And the coalition opposes a measure on the November ballot called the "Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act," which would put any future statewide tax increase on the ballot. Disclosure: The California Federation of Teachers contributes to our fund for reporting on Civic Engagement, Early Childhood Education, Education, and Social Justice. 

1

🚨 8 Workplace Law Bills to Watch in California 🚨 As the California Legislature wraps up its work for the year, all eyes are on Governor Newsom, who has until September 30 to sign or veto several key workplace bills that could significantly impact employers. If signed, these laws will take effect on January 1, 2025. Stay tuned for updates as these bills move forward. 🔍 #Bizhaven #HRConsulting #CaliforniaLaw #HRCompliance #WorkplaceLegislation #SafetyConsulting

10

Are there California farmers or ranchers in your supply chain? Are you a farmer in California considering a shift to organic agriculture? Check out this opportunity for some financial assistance. #organic #climatesmartagriculture #organicfarming #California

1

$10,000 per year for three years, for a total of $30,000. When farmers transition their land from conventional to organic, they have to wait three years before achieving certification and selling their products as organic. During this three-year period, farmers are learning new farming techniques, creating new systems for their business, and generating new markets for their soon-to-be-organic products, all while cultivating products that are not yet able to earn certified organic premiums. Organic Transition grants provide financial support to farmers who want to shift into to organic production. These grants and technical assistance are available to farmers and ranchers in California who are interested in transitioning to organic production. Program participants receive grants, mentorship, and technical support in agronomy, business and financial literacy, marketing, and market development over a three-year period. There may be the opportunity for eligible transitioning farmers to qualify for an additional $1,000/transitioning acre up to 30 acres for soil building practices (regenerative practices). #CCOF #OrganicFarming #moneyforfarmers #regenerativeagriculture

5

The biggest challenge is thinking post fossil fuel autocratic economics. Microgrids and sometimes free, bidirectionality replacing curtailment, allows egalitarian V2G financial rewards for keeping your neighbors baby warm and beer cold. The goal isn't more infrastructure to sell more electrons, it is global energy independence and the resulting climate stabilization, peace and prosperity. #energytransition

3

1 Comment

Sonoma State's Anthropological Studies Center (ASC) is assisting in interpreting and protecting cultural resources found in Northern California's state parks on illegal cannabis sites through the Cannabis Watershed Protection Program (CWPP). At South Yuba River State Park, the State Parks and ASC are collaborating with the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan to ensure the cultural resources found are taken into consideration. The Nisenan Tribe are the Indigenous people of the territory, and the Yuba River, or ‘Uba Seo, is considered sacred to their people. https://ow.ly/K5xk50Ueaau

19

📢 Planning to apply to the $1.86 billion federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (#BEAD) program in California? If so, this announcement is for you: 📢 The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will be holding a series of webinars starting on December 3 to help those interested in applying to the program understand the requirements and how to prepare for submitting applications. The first webinar will include information of getting ready for prequalification. Participating in this series will help applicants understand this complex program and prepare applications that respond to the program requirements. Don't sleep on this, folks! 📢 For a list of planned webinar topics and registration links, click below. 👇 https://lnkd.in/g-HXfEtX National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) #broadbandforall #internetforall #digitalequity #grants

39