Energy & Environmental Resources

CVAG Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance

     The Coachella Valley Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.   (Click here for the CVAG Water Efficient Landscape ordinance)             (Click here for the Summary of CVAG Water Efficient Landscape ordinance) (Click here for the Comparison Matrix)

Used Oil Filter Recycling Increases by 200%!

Residents of the Coachella Valley know that dumping used motor oil into the ground and into storm drains harms the environment. That’s why the State of California (CalRecycle) and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) partner with Autozone to host Used Oil & Used Oil Filter Exchange events. During these events, residents can trade their old oil filter for a free oil filter up to $5 in value, and safely dispose of their used oil.

Habitat Conservation

    The diverse desert landscape of the Coachella Valley provides habitat for dozens of plant and animal species, some found nowhere else in the world. The Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP) provides a regional vision for balanced growth to meet the requirements of federal and state endangered species laws, while promoting enhanced opportunities for recreation, tourism and job growth. The CVMSHCP balances conservation of wildlife habitat and open space with economic development to maintain our high quality of life. Under the direction of the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission, we coordinate completion and implementation of the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan, including land acquisition and an adaptive management and monitoring program. For more information including Plan documents, see the CVMSHCP Web site.

    The Biological Monitoring Project is funded by a Department of Fish and Game Local Assistance Grant that supports the development of the CVMSHCP Biological Monitoring program. The Center for Conservation Biology at the University of California Riverside (UCR) coordinates the project, including the collection of baseline data for tracking covered species and modeling of environmental change. Information is disseminated in through reports and an annual biological monitoring conference. CVAG provides some Geographic Information Systems (GIS) support for the monitoring program.

Energy Conservation and Efficiency

    In March 2007 the CVAG Executive Committee established an Energy Conservation Subcommittee and initiated an effort to promote sustainable energy use and opportunities for energy savings for ratepayers. The purpose of the energy conservation program is to initiate and support energy conservation initiatives within the Coachella Valley and Palo Verde Valley to foster a long-term cultural change toward improved energy conservation and enhanced energy efficiency. The program focuses on establishing a vision for the Coachella Valley to foster a culture shift in how residents, business and governments view energy conservation through the development of an education component, information resources, financial incentives and legislative alternatives. One of the adopted goals is to reduce valley-wide per capita energy consumption by 10% by 2012. Local governments are looking at ways to implement model energy efficiency projects and programs and showcase new energy conservation and alternative technologies in their buildings, facilities, and programs.

Solid Waste Source Reduction and Recycling

    The Solid Waste and Recycling program coordinates regional efforts to promote solid waste source reduction and recycling according to sound environmental principles. Through the Solid Waste and Recycling Technical Working Group, the cities and the County coordinate efforts related to AB 939 waste reduction and re cycling goals. Projects include used oil recycling, development and implementation of a construction and demolition recycling model ordinance, and green waste reduction and recycling/reuse. We provide coordination of regional grant proposals, waste tonnage tracking and monitoring, recycling facilities, public outreach and environmental reviews as needed. We support member jurisdictions in public education events, preparation of news releases and promotional material and recycling policies. We also maintain clearing house information of AB 939 updates and best management practices.

    The Used Oil Recycling program involves coordination of local used oil collection programs to encourage recycling and appropriate disposal of used oil. The program is funded by Used Oil Recycling Block Grants from the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB). Used oil recycling events are held during the spring at auto parts stores throughout the Coachella Valley to encourage recycling of used oil and filters. Assist member jurisdictions in public education outreach programs.

Water Conservation and Water Quality

    CVAG supports local and regional initiatives to protect the quality of our water. Water Conservation is a significant issue in the desert and CVAG provides a forum for member jurisdictions to discuss and share solutions to promote water conservation. Local water agencies provide expertise and information to inform and educate our member jurisdictions about their water conservation programs.

    CVAG is involved in the goal of restoring the Salton Sea through participation in the Salton Sea Advisory Committee. We monitor progress of the Salton Sea restoration planning effort and provide information to the member jurisdictions on this issue.