Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 48.88
Liaison Barbara Queen
Submission Date June 6, 2016
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

California State University, Los Angeles
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.00 / 2.00 Jocelyn Stewart
Director for Communications
Office of Communications and Public Affairs
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution advocate for national, state/provincial, or local public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability?:
Yes

A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability, including the issues, legislation, and ordinances for or against which the institution has advocated:

Cal State LA is home to the Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs. Each year, the Pat Brown Institute host conferences and offers programs that extend the University’s engagement with the public on key issues, including sustainability. In November of 2015, PBI and the University sponsored a conference on the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. This event brought together city officials, legislators, corporate leaders and others. The main focus of the conference was the ports and sustainability.

In April of 2016, PBI further promoted discussion of sustainability issues through its 35th annual dinner. The theme for the conference was “California Shows the Way: Leadership in the Face of Climate Change.” The event attracted hundreds of people, including representatives from two consulates, top city leaders, and included a discussion on public policy related to climate change and its impact on international agreements. Guests of honor included California Senate President pro Tem Kevin de Leon, who has contributed greatly to higher education and has provided extraordinary leadership in the Senate on climate and clean energy; and David Gelber and Joel Bach producers who applied their creative talents to making the issue of climate change real and accessible to a wide audience through their docu-series. The event also included promotion of hydrogen cars with a display. Two hydrogen cars were brought from Cal State LA and parked inside the building outside the ballroom where the event was held.

In the past PBI has hosted conferences and events on DWP and on the drought in California. PBI and the University have consistently promoted awareness and discussion around sustainability issues. By providing these platforms it has contributed to and influenced public policy, which begins with awareness. PBI’s website includes information about past events and reports.


A brief description of other political positions the institution has taken during the previous three years:

In April 2016, Cal State LA President William A. Covino joined other university presidents and chancellors in signing the Climate Leadership Statement with Second Nature, a non-profit organization dedicated to making the principles of sustainability fundamental to every aspect of higher education. The signing further demonstrates Cal State LA's commitment to exercise leadership in the community and throughout society by providing the knowledge, research, practice, and graduates to create a positive and sustainable future.


A brief description of political donations the institution made during the previous three years (if applicable):
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The website URL where information about the institution’s advocacy efforts is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.