
Blog
A space for learning.

Marilee Krause Secures Her Dream EV
Marilee Krause wanted to transition from her hybrid Prius to an all-electric vehicle, but thought she couldn’t afford to. Then a close friend reached out to see if she was interested in purchasing their 2017 Chevy Bolt. Marilee had heard about financial incentive programs for electric vehicles but wasn’t sure which she qualified for. At her friend’s suggestion, she reached out to the Community Environmental Council.

Resilience Takes Root in Cuyama
In the remote Cuyama Valley, where emergency services are limited and disasters are increasingly common, Blue Sky Center (BSC) has emerged as a vital Community Resilience Hub. With only a handful of firefighters and police officers serving the area, this rural North Santa Barbara County community, which sits roughly 60 miles from Santa Maria to the west and Bakersfield to the east, depends on local resources to meet urgent needs in an emergency.

The Beros Go All-In on EVs
When Ventura resident Shelley Bero started car shopping in early 2021, she never expected an electric vehicle to be the most affordable and practical choice. That changed after attending a webinar hosted by the Community Environmental Council (CEC), where she learned how EVs are extremely efficient and can deliver significant cost savings.

The Time Is Right to Switch to an Electric Vehicle
As we watch years of climate progress unravel, state and local action is the only path toward a livable future. Thankfully, there are many impactful ways we can resist these attempts to thwart climate progress. While this may seem small in the scheme of things, one such way is to switch to an electric vehicle.

Santa Barbara County Votes to Phase Out Oil Drilling
Thanks to your support, on Tuesday, May 13, the County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors voted to direct county staff to develop an oil phaseout ordinance. More than two dozen community members attended in-person or virtually to provide public comment, mostly in support of ending oil drilling and phasing out existing wells.

Abriendo camino para los vehículos eléctricos - Kit de recursos del seminario virtual
Conoce los incentivos y las soluciones de recarga para los vehículos eléctricos más recientes. Navega los obstáculos que salgan en el camino y súbete al VE adecuado para ti.

Support the Climate Resilience Bond:Vote “Yes” on Prop 4
This November, California voters have an opportunity to make a historic impact by voting for Prop 4 — the Climate Resilience Bond (SB 867). Prop 4 would provide the resources necessary to protect our communities from the escalating impacts of climate change.

Navigating EV Roadblocks - Webinar Resources Toolkit
This webinar is for individuals who understand the basics of driving electric, but need more information before taking the leap. CEC’s Electrify Your Life team and community members who drive an EV answer your questions and help clarify your outstanding concerns so you can start saving money and join the movement to reduce carbon emissions.

Make Your Voice Heard: Tell Goleta to Adopt an Electric Vehicle Reach Code
On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, the City of Goleta will vote to adopt an EV reach code. EV reach codes are one of the most powerful ways to expand charging access at multifamily properties and workplaces so that renters and those without access to charging at home can more easily and affordably use electric vehicles. We ask for your help to ensure Goleta constructs EV-ready residential and commercial buildings.

Act Now on County of Santa Barbara's Climate Action Plan
Join us to tell the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors that this Climate Action Plan must include emissions from oil and gas facilities. Attend the Board meeting and provide public comment, Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at the Board Chambers in Santa Maria

La Crisis del Plástico: Ciencia y Soluciones
El plástico está en todas partes. Como resultado, nuestros cuerpos y ecosistemas naturales contienen multitudes de microplásticos dañinos.

5 Ways To Cut Plastic Out of Your Life
Here are five actions you can take now to start cutting plastic out of your life, with links to lots of helpful resources.

The Plastic Crisis: Science and Solutions
Plastic is everywhere. As a result, our bodies and natural systems contain multitudes of harmful microplastics.

Los cargadores de vehículos eléctricos para el hogar
Configurar una estación de recarga para un vehículo eléctrico (VE) en el hogar, puede hacer que rentar o comprar un VE sea mucho más conveniente.

At-Home EV Charging
Setting up an electric vehicle (EV) charging station at home can make owning or leasing an EV much more convenient. With all of the current rebates and incentives available, adding an at-home charging station can be quite affordable, and in some cases, free.


Community Environmental Council Hosts 2024 Green Gala: “Regeneration” – A Celebration of Hope and Climate Action
Community Environmental Council Hosts 2024 Green Gala: “Regeneration” – A Celebration of Hope and Climate Action

Help ensure the City of Santa Barbara continues ambitious climate action!
On July 2, 2024, the Santa Barbara City Council will consider adopting an updated Climate Action Plan. The Community Environmental Council has been tracking this plan for many years, and we need your support to ensure Santa Barbara adopts this plan and continues implementing bold climate solutions.

Laura Francis: Inspiring Future Generations
A love of nature, coupled with a deep-rooted sense of responsibility for our shared world, have been defining factors in Laura Francis’ life.

Empowering Change: An Evening with Dr. Flávia Maia Resources Toolkit
The Community Environmental Council and our co-host Telea Insights would like to thank everyone who joined us on January 19 at CEC’s new Environmental Hub for an inspiring evening with Brazilian climate leader Dr. Flávia Maia.