Twelve of the most popular State Parks in California will be getting electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, thanks to the California Energy Commission (CEC) grant awarded to Adopt a Charger (AAC) at the July 22nd Business Meeting. Match funds were provided for the project by sponsors; The Kashia Band of Pomo Indians, The Monterey Bay Unified Air Quality Management District, Google Employees, Southern California Edison, and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Sustainable Solutions Partners and PlugShare have both provided an in-kind donation of services, and Clipper Creek has provided match funds in the form of discounted equipment towards the project. The EV chargers will be offered fee-free to park visitors, thanks to our generous sponsors.
Installation of EV charging stations is part of the “Cool Parks” initiative by California State Parks that responds to the pressing challenges of climate change and seeks to educate park visitors, and motivate the broader public to be part of the solution. By providing destination charging at these popular locations, we are enabling an emission free trip to the park and exposing the public to plug-in cars, encouraging interaction with actual owners. We plan to maximize education and outreach efforts, by collaborating with other stakeholders to promote EV tourism in the state.
The proposed park units include: Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, Crystal Cove State Park, Huntington State Beach, Bolsa Chica State Beach, Will Rogers State Historic Park, Los Angeles State Historic Park, Hearst San Simeon State Historic Monument, Henry Cowell State Park, Ano Nuevo State Park, Sonoma Coast State Park, and Fort Ross State Historic Park.
“The California State Parks have always stood for environmental stewardship, and I am grateful that Adopt a Charger can help them promote The Cool Parks Initiative,” said Kitty Adams, Executive Director of Adopt a Charger. “The existing EV chargers at Leo Carrillo State Beach, Malibu Creek State Park, and Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, provide inspiration to visitors who want to reduce their carbon footprint, and provide resources to expand the park’s green fleet. We are grateful to the CEC and our sponsors to be able to add 14 more parks to the list.”
“We would like to thank the California Energy Commission for this collaborative effort to bring plug-in stations to parks across the State, as it will help meet the changing needs of our visitors,” said Lisa Mangat, Acting Director, California State Parks. “We are the stewards of the people’s State Parks, and it is our responsibility to ensure that we continue to protect our very valuable natural resources through adaptation, mitigation and education.”
The “Cool Parks” initiative responds to the pressing challenges of climate change in California State Parks. This program identifies and addresses the emerging environmental threats to the resources of the State Park System.
About the California State Parks
California Department of Parks and Recreation manages 280 park units, which contain the finest and most diverse collection of natural, cultural, and recreational resources to be found within California. Responsible for almost one-third of California’s scenic coastline, the California State Park system includes 280 parks, beaches, trails, wildlife areas, open spaces, off-highway vehicle areas, and historic sites. It consists of approximately 1.59 million acres, including over 339 miles of coastline, 974 miles of lake, reservoir and river frontage, approximately 15,000 campsites and alternative camping facilities, and 4,456 miles of non-motorized trails.
About the California Energy Commission
The California Energy Commission is the state’s primary energy policy and planning agency. Created by the Legislature in 1974 and located in Sacramento, six basic responsibilities guide the Energy Commission as it sets state energy policy: forecasting future energy needs; licensing thermal power plants 50 megawatts or larger; promoting energy efficiency and conservation by setting the state’s appliance and building efficiency standards; supporting public interest energy research that advances energy science and technology through research, development, and demonstration programs; developing renewable energy resources and alternative renewable energy technologies for buildings, industry and transportation; planning for and directing state response to energy emergencies.
About Adopt a Charger
Adopt a Charger is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in March 2011 to accelerate the wide spread adoption of plug in electric vehicles by broadening the charging infrastructure. Adopt a Charger’s unique approach matches a sponsor with a host site located at a popular public destination: parks, colleges, museums, beaches and the like.
For more information:
Kitty Adams Kitty.adams@adoptacharger.org