EMA CHALLENGES CALIFORNIA TO BE GREEN

EMA CHALLENGES CALIFORNIA TO BE GREEN

Ten Southern California Cities Are Nominated to Launch the
California Green Community Challenge

Los Angeles, CA, October 30, 2009— The Environmental Media Association (EMA), in cooperation with Southern California Edison, Green Seal, and the Institute for Local Government are issuing a challenge to ten southern California cities to be recognized as a California Green Community by 2012. The Environmental Media Association will hold a kick off Press Event on November 4, 2009 at Sony Studios to launch the California Green Community Challenge. The Mayors of the ten cities taking the challenge, along with some of the Corporate Partners and EMA celebrity talent will be present at the launch. The objective is to ignite a nationwide initiative to preserve our natural environment. These ten Californian communities have committed to the Green Community Challenge and will act as leaders in this effort.

Acting as thought leaders, participating cities will develop Green Community Action Plans in fields including: energy efficiency, water management, green building, climate friendly purchasing, land use and community design, waste management, urban forestry, community and individual action, air quality, and transportation. Participation is strictly voluntary and cities are not required to make any financial commitments up front, but they will be expected to establish local programs that achieve the objectives in as many fields over the next three years.

The cities lead by their respective mayors include: Simi Valley- Mayor Paul Miller, Redlands- Mayor Jon Harrison, San Gabriel- Mayor Juli Constanzo, Riverside- Mayor Ronald Loveridge, Claremont- Mayor Corey Calaycay, Los Angeles- Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Monrovia- Mayor Mary Ann Luz, Santa Monica- Mayor Ken Genser, Santa Clarita- Councilmember Bob Kellar, and Culver City- Mayor Andrew Weissman will be recognized at either a Silver Level (basic city commitments), Gold Level (advanced city commitments), or Platinum Level (city and communitywide commitments). Recognition levels include promotional activities provided by EMA, the ability to use the California Green Community logo and designations on all city and community promotions, and identification in statewide recognition efforts.

Were very proud to play a role in Californias effort to be the driving force behind a cause that will improve the quality of the environment and on the lives of our citizens, said Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti.
EMA is grateful to the participating cities for helping us realize our goal of creating Green Cities across the country, said EMA President Debbie Levin. It is time our cities develop community action plans to better manage our natural resources and help their citizens make sustainable lifestyle choices to produce a healthier planet.
Southern California Edison has for years provided energy efficiency programs and we are happy to be part of this initiative in our community of Southern California, said the Local Public Affairs Executive Director of Southern California Edison. We are proud to aid our community in their commitment to environmental protection and maintenance.

ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL MEDIA ASSOCIATION

The Environmental Media Association (EMA) is a Non-Profit 501(c)3 Organization founded in 1989 by Cindy and Alan Horn and Lyn and Norman Lear.

EMA is dedicated to harnessing the power of celebrity and the media to promote sustainable lifestyles and believes through positive role modeling the entertainment community can inspire consumers to take action. The organization has grown into a diverse group of industry professionals from film, television and music dedicated to the mission of promoting environmental awareness through the entertainment business and the media. EMA serves as a valuable link between the entertainment industry and the environmental community.

www.ema-online.org

ABOUT GREEN SEAL

Green Seal, a non-profit based in Washington D.C., has been identifying consumer and institutional products and services that protect the environment and human health since 1989. Green Seal has certified more than 3,500 products and services in over 114 categories. The independent organization focuses on certification against its standards, avoiding any conflict of interest that may arise from recommending products or consulting with applicants. For more information, visit www.GreenSeal.org.