University of San Diego
PAE-24: Sustainability Policy Advocacy

USD does not lobby or advocate for specific policies. However USD assists in the promotion of sustainability policy at state and federal level through objective research done by the Energy Policy Initiatives Center to inform decision makers. The Energy Policy Initiatives Center (EPIC) is a non-profit academic and research center of the USD School of Law that studies energy policy issues affecting the San Diego region and California. EPIC integrates research and analysis, law school study, and public education, and serves as a source of legal and policy expertise and information in the development of sustainable solutions that meet our future energy needs. Mission EPIC's mission is to: 1. Educate the public and public officials concerning energy issues and policies; 2. Provide law school courses in the subject matter, including those for law training by current practitioners, and allowing use of law students to conduct research for the benefit and progress of the program; and, 3. Research and issue detailed empirical and analytical reports on energy trends, policy options and implications to inform public decision makers. Past Projects Include: (2012) Appliance Standards in California Sponsor: California Energy Commission Summary: The EPIC Energy Law and Policy Clinic conducted research for the CA Energy Commission (CEC) related to appliance standards for specific devices in California. Deliverable/Product: Confidential final report and presentation to CEC legal staff. (2011) Renewable Energy on Transmission Lines Sponsor: California Public Utilities Commission Summary: The EPIC Energy Law and Policy Clinic conducted research for the CA Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) related to the ability of regulators to reserve capacity on transmission lines for renewable energy. Deliverable/Product: Confidential final report and presentation to CPUC commissioners, administrative law judges, and staff. (2006) Smart Grid Sponsor: SDG&E and UCAN Summary: EPIC lead a team of technical consultants to conduct the San Diego Smart Grid Study, one of the first in the nation to apply the Smart Grid concepts developed by the U. S. Department of Energy’s Modern Grid Initiative to a specific region. The study provides preliminary analysis to determine the technical feasibility and cost effectiveness of implementing Smart Grid technologies and strategies in the San Diego Region. The objectives of the study are to (1) determine whether the future economic and regulatory climate in the San Diego region could accommodate or necessitate a Smart Grid, (2) determine the portfolio of technologies that could implement a Smart Grid, and (3) conduct a cost-benefit analysis to determine whether implementing a Smart Grid would be cost effective for the region. Deliverable/Product: Smart Grid Study Final Report USD is also apart of the Climate Collaborative: San Diego Region, that supports the sharing of best practices in climate action planning. Additionally, USD is home to the Climate Education Partners: San Diego Region which studies and educates local leaders how we can prepare for and even reduce those impacts, as individuals and as a community.

See also: http://www.sdclimatecollaborative.org/the-collaborative/ http://www.sandiego.edu/climate/