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.

“We’re very proud to play a role in California’s 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.