DAVE PINE’S ENVIRONMENTAL RECORD
San Mateo Union High School District
As a school board member for the San Mateo Union High School District (SMUHSD), I have successfully advocated for green construction practices, the use of solar energy, energy efficiency upgrades, and environmental education.
- Green construction practices. In November 2006, the SMUHSD passed Measure M that authorized the issuance of $298 million in general obligation bonds to continue the modernization of the SMUHSD’s facilities. I co-chaired the Measure M campaign. Following my election to the SMUHSD school board in November 2007, I championed the adoption of an energy, water and resource conservation policy to commit the SMUHSD to green construction practices and operations. This policy was passed in November 2008, and requires that the SMUHSD to implement effective and sustainable resource practices by ensuring that all major modernizations and new buildings meet or exceed the current minimum Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) design standards in most instances. Among other things, these standards require day lighting, reduced energy consumption, appropriate construction materials, and reduced water consumption. Prior to my election to the SMUHSD Board and the adoption of these standards, past modernization programs did not put a priority on green construction practices.
- Solar Energy. Beginning in 2009 a school board colleague and I began to advocate for the SMUHSD to deploy solar panels in order to reduce operating costs and reduce the SMUHSD’s carbon footprint. The idea was not favorably received initially, but after numerous meetings and presentations our fellow Board members agreed that the SMUHSD should use its savings from other construction projects to install a $30 million three megawatt solar system. This system is now under construction with large solar panel installations underway on the roofs of three high schools, and smaller installations at our other schools. The system will provide over 60% of the SMUHSD’s electricity, save almost $1.0 million annually in electricity costs, generate $5.1 million in California solar rebates, and prevent over 4,000 tons of CO2 emissions.
- Energy Efficiency Upgrades. I also supported conducting a district-wide energy audit. The audit was completed at the end of 2010 at all six of the SMUHSD’s campuses. This audit has produced a roadmap for various steps the district will take to reduce its energy consumption. Future projects resulting from this audit will include the installation of pool covers, thermal heating of swimming pools, the use of power management systems, and more efficient lighting.
- Environmental Education. As a SMUHSD school board member, I also have supported creating environmental education opportunity for our students. For example, I have encouraged the curriculum staff’s efforts to develop a clean energy curriculum that will include a module on solar energy. In addition, I have been very supportive of student environmental groups such as Aragon High School’s Environmental Impact Committee and Recycling Club.
Committee for Green Foothills
I joined the Board of the Committee for Green Foothills (CGF) in August 2004 and served until March 2010. The Board meets monthly, and during my five and half year tenure I became very conversant with numerous land use issues in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. My contributions to CGF include the following:
- From April 2007 through March 2010, I was the chair of the Advocacy Committee which works with CGF’s San Mateo County and Santa Clara County advocated to develop CGF’s policy positions and advocacy strategies. During this period, I also was a member of CGF’s Executive Committee
- I was actively involved in fundraising, event planning, and board member recruitment.
- I advocated for CGF to become more involved in housing issues and helped develop CGF’s housing policy.
- On two occasions I served on a subcommittee responsible for selecting a new executive director for the organization.
Loma Prieta Chapter of the Sierra Club
I have been a member of the Loma Prieta Chapter of the Sierra Club since 2002. I have contributed to the work of the Chapter in a variety of ways:
- I served on the endorsement committee for the Burlingame council race in 2005. I also coordinated the work of the political endorsement committee in connection with a San Mateo County Office of Education board member race in 2006 and the Foster City council race in 2007.
- I have assisted the Chapter with fundraising on a number of occasions:
- In December 2004, I helped organize a holiday reception and fundraiser at the Baylands Interpretive Center in Palo Alto.
- In 2006 – 07, I served as the Chair of the fundraising committee. During that time, I worked on major donor fundraising and the “March Window” appeals in 2006 and 2007. The fundraising appeal letter that we developed was published by the national Sierra Club as a model. During my tenure as Chair of the fundraising committee, the Chapter also put in place a fundraising outings program whereby Chapter members participate in domestic and foreign trips and a portion of the participation fee goes to the Chapter. I also worked with the Chapter Director to improve the performance of the Chapter’s telefundraising effort.
- I helped staff the phone banks organized by the Chapter to oppose Proposition 23. I also have participated in Sacramento lobbying efforts from time to time as part of the Sierra Club California Activist Network.
Sustainable San Mateo County
I have been supportive of the work of Sustainable San Mateo County. In November of 2010, my wife and I took advantage of program promoted by Sustainable San Mateo County to have an energy audit conducted of our home by Recurve, Inc. We then hosted an energy audit party at our home where representatives from Recurve and Sustainable San Mateo County explained the testing process, our homes audit results, and ways to lower residential energy usage.
Redwood City Planning Commission
From 1993 to 1999, I served on the Redwood City Planning Commission where I gained hands on experience analyzing development plans, making sure projects fully complied with the California Environmental Quality Act, and working to minimize the impact of projects on the city’s overall environment and quality of life. As a planning commissioner, I reviewed a broad variety of land use and development issues including the build-out of Redwood Shores, the Kaiser hospital redevelopment, the Franklin Street specific plan and infill housing projects.
Environmental Entrepreneurs
I am former member of Environmental Entrepreneurs, which is a national community of individual business leaders who advocate for good environmental policy while building economic prosperity.
Personal Commitment to Green Practices and Environmental Stewardship
My commitment to the environment starts at home where my wife and I are avid recyclers, maintain a vegetable garden, and conserve energy and water whenever possible. A smart meter has recently been installed at our home and I track our energy usage using the ennovationz.com web site. Last year, I participated in the Drive Less Challenge and assisted one of the Burlingame organizers with fundraising. Minimizing our own carbon footprint and environmental impact are important vales for my wife and I and ones we want to pass on to our two young boys. Over the last few years, the boys and I have participated in the California Coastal Cleanup Day. Finally, my wife and I are regular donors to a variety of environmental organizations.
