Greenhouse Gas Analysis and Regulations in California

The Northwest Environmental Training Center presents:

Greenhouse Gas Analysis and Regulations in California
Course ID: CAPOL-403 (2 days)
December 9-10, 2009, 8:30 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Mission Valley Resort
875 Hotel Circle South Mission Room
San Diego, CA 92108

Instructor: Joe O'Bannon

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Description: Climate change is a challenging new and rapidly changing field for planners. Since emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) are a contributing factor, typically a climate change analysis is relegated to being included in air quality sections of a CEQA/NEPA document. However, with the California Office of Planning and Research proposing a separate section in Appendix G – Initial Study Checklist for greenhouse gases and the non-air quality effects from climate change on the project, a separate section/chapter for climate change may be more appropriate.

This class is structured to provide a solid working knowledge of climate change for developing a thorough CEQA/NEPA level analysis of a project’s effects on climate change, mostly through emissions of GHGs, and climate change’s potential effects on the project.

Course Topics:

Background, including the scientific basis of climate change and the effects of anthropogenic GHG emissions.

Discussion of regulatory efforts including federal, state and local levels.

Typical project-level GHG emission sources for construction, land use and industrial projects, with implications and examples.

Types of emissions: direct vs indirect; tiered emissions; cradle-to-grave emissions.

Real-world examples of potential GHG emission quantification tools and how to use them.

How to incorporate climate change's effects on the project and develop mitigations.

Development of project-level mitigation strategies.

How to frame a climate change analysis for CEQA/NEPA documents, both as a separate chapter and as a subset of the air quality section.

Discussion of the concept of thresholds for GHGs.

About the Instructor: Since 1980, Joe O’Bannon has obtained public and private sector air quality experience in such areas as emissions inventory, air quality planning, project management and coordination, government and community relations, public education, regulatory compliance issues, legislative review, committee participation, urban emissions modeling, and consensus building. He has worked in public and private sector CEQA/NEPA with an emphasis in air quality issues, including general conformity, climate change, environmental analysis, mitigation strategies, Native American issues, and expert testimony.

A recent project of Joe’s has recently been awarded the Association of Environmental Professional’s Merit Award for an Environmental Analysis Document. Each year the AEP recognizes those environmental professionals whose documents, achievements, and service have contributed to the enhancement, maintenance and protection of the natural and human environment. Last year Joe’s innovative air quality mitigation involving drought tolerant/low ozone forming potential trees won him another award from the Environmental Business Journal.

Joe is the Director of Air Quality for Chambers Group, and General Manager of Chambers's San Diego office. He is responsible for the oversight of the company’s Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Division, which undertakes projects in California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona.

Intended Audience: This course is designed for planning and environmental professionals.

Prerequisites: A general working knowledge of CEQA and/or NEPA.

Education Level: Introductory/Review

Course Materials: Participants will receive course proceedings, and reference materials.

CM | 15 | Law
AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for this activity [or many activities at this event]. When CM credits are available, they are noted at the end of an activity description. More information about AICP's CM program can be found at www.planning.org/cm.

Continuing Education Units: 1.3

What to Bring: Pen or pencil, coffee mug, and a water bottle (to reduce waste). Please wear comfortable clothes appropriate for the prevailing weather. Lunch will be on your own. There are numerous restaurants within walking distance. Drinks and snacks will be provided each day.

Registration($495/$395)
*Reduced tuition is available for Native American tribes; government employees; nonprofits; students; and NAEP, NEBC, NWAEP members. You may register via the link below or by calling the Northwest Environmental Training Center at 206-762-1976.
Further discounts are available for group registrations; please call us or email info@nwetc.org for information.

Cancellation Policy: Registration fees are fully refundable up to 30 days prior to the event and 50 percent refundable (or 100% credit) thereafter up to 3 business days prior to the event. No refunds are issued for cancellations occurring less than 3 business days before the start day. Course registration fees and cancellation policy are subject to change without notice.

Disability Accommodations: To request disability accommodations, please contact us at info@nwetc.org or (206) 762-1976 at least 30 days prior to the event.