California Proposes Amendments to Cap-and-trade Regulations for Linkage With Quebec

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) proposed amendments to the state’s cap-and-trade regulations to effectuate linkage between the state’s program and a cap-and-trade program established by Quebec. Among other things, the proposed regulations provide for a joint auction of allowances in November. CARB also proposed amendments relating to trading mechanics and market oversight. The proposed amendments are subject to a 45-day comment period, and then will be on the agenda for a meeting of the board on June 28. The proposed amendments and related materials are available at http://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/2012/capandtrade12/capandtrade12.htm.

Cal OSHA Performs Surprise Weekend Inspections for Heat Illness Prevention and Confined Space Compliance

Two weeks ago when the temperatures in the Central Valley soared past 90 degrees, Cal OSHA set a new precedent performing surprise inspections on Saturday and Sunday to inspect sites for compliance of heat illness and confined space programs. They passed out more than 100 violations for heat illness violations and confined space violations to local employers.

Cal OSHA plays a vital role in keeping California's manufacturing workplaces safe and their efforts serve to protect millions of workers, but if your company is subjected to a Cal/OSHA inspection - it is seldom cause for celebration. Cal/OSHA violations can be costly to not only your bottom line, but your company's reputation.

If you are unsure whether your company is in compliance, or if you have any training needs related to either topic, Citadel can help. We offer comprehensive Cal/OSHA needs assessment, and implementation programs, including online and in-class training in Heat Assessment and Confined Space, as well as many other programs. 

If interested in learning more about the trainings mentioned or any of our other training options available, please contact us today!

California Governor Orders State Buildings and Agencies to Reduce Energy Consumption and GHG Emissions

Effective immediately, California Governor Jerry Brown issued executive order B-18-12, which requires all state agencies to reduce entity-wide GHG emissions by at least 10% by 2015 and 20% by 2020, as measured against a 2010 baseline.  Also, by 2025, all newly constructed or renovated state buildings must be constructed as zero net energy facilities.  Additionally, the executive order requires a minimum of U.S. Green Building Council “Silver” LEED certification for all newly constructed or renovated state buildings of 10,000 square feet or more.  State agencies must also reduce overall water use at the facilities they operate by 10% by 2015 and by 20% by 2020, as measured against a 2010 baseline. To read more regarding this executive order, please click on the link executive order.

Citadel’s Sustainability Service line can help businesses take their companies to the next level with a re-investment in the environment. Corporate environmental responsibility has become a major tool for product/service differentiation. Consumers are increasingly choosing environmentally responsible providers of goods and services as the new Green movement takes hold worldwide. Our services help companies develop Green policies and procedures, characterize and reduce waste, increase energy efficiency, and evaluate the environmental impact of their products, all of which all reduce their net carbon footprint. 

If you would like to learn more about going Green, please contact us.