Our experts choose the best products and services to help make smart decisions with your money (here's how). In some cases, they receive a commission from our partners; however, their opinions are their own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.

If you're passionate about environmental justice or want to bank with a financial institution that closely aligns with your values, an environmentally friendly bank might be worth considering.

The best banks also have strong bank accounts with low fees. Below, you'll find their top picks for eco-friendly banks based on which accounts you'd like to open. 

The Best Eco-Friendly Banks and Credit Unions

Compare the Best Environmentally Friendly Financial Institutions

Best Environmentally Friendly Banks FAQs

Best Eco-Friendly Financial Institution Reviews

Best for a Checking Account

The Amalgamated Bank Give-Back Checking Account is a solid interest-earning checking account with zero monthly service fees. It stands out from other checking accounts because Amalgamated Bank matches the equivalent of half the interest you earn on the account and lets you donate that amount to a charity that's partnered with the institution. 

While the Amalgamated Bank Give-Back Checking Account doesn't charge monthly service fees, you'll want to be mindful of the bank account's other fees. The account has a $34 overdraft fee. If you withdraw money from an out-of-network ATM, Amalgamated Bank will also charge you $2.50 per transaction. 

Your banking experience also may depend on where you live. Amalgamated Bank has branches in New York City and San Francisco, but if you don't live in these cities you'll have to be comfortable with an online-only banking experience.

Green practices/policies: As a Fossil Free certified institution, Amalgamated Bank has pledged not to invest in fossil fuels projects. According to the bank's website, 24% of its lending is solely focused on climate protection and property-assessed clean energy financing. 

Amalgamated Bank is also B Corp certified since 2017, which means that it has met the B Lab's standards for social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

Certification(s): Certified B Corp, GA BV Member, Green America certified, Fossil Free certified

Amalgamated Bank Review

Best for a High-Yield Savings Account

The Atmos Financial Climate-Positive Savings Account is a great high-yield savings account because it doesn't have minimum balance requirements or monthly maintenance fees. You may also earn a competitive interest rate if you choose to make monthly donations of at least $1 to a non-profit organization that's partnered with Atmos Financial. 

Atmos Financial is an online-banking platform, so it doesn't have any physical branches.

Green practices/policies: As a Fossil Free certified financial institution, Atmos Financial has pledged it will not invest in projects that are harmful to the environment, such as fossil fuel projects or fast fashion companies.

When you open the Atmos Financial Climate-Positive Savings Account, Atmos calculates the carbon impact of your account balance, which you'll be able to see on the platform's mobile app.

Certification(s): 1% for the Planet, Fossil Free certified (Pending B Corp certification)

Atmos Financial Review

Best Eco-Friendly Credit Union

While the Clean Energy Credit Union Savings Account pays a low interest rate, Clean Energy Credit Union has a high-yield checking account that might be ideal if you're searching for a solid interest rate. Clean Energy Credit Union also has low minimum opening deposits and doesn't charge monthly service fees. 

Credit unions require you to be a member to open a bank account. To be eligible for membership at Clean Energy Credit Union, you must meet one of the following requirements:

• Be an employee or volunteer at Clean Energy Credit Union, Our Climate, or 350 Colorado
• Join a non-profit organization or association from this list
• Have an immediate family member or household member who meets one of the requirements listed above

To join Clean Energy Credit Union, you have to open up a savings account with at least $5. If you would prefer to only open a checking account, you might consider banking with a different institution.

Your banking experience may also depend on where you live. Clean Energy Credit Union doesn't have any physical branches, but it is still part of the Co-op Shared Branch network. You'll have to use this search tool to see if there are any locations in your area.

Green practices/policies: As a Fossil Free certified financial institution, Clean Energy Credit Union has pledged it will not invest in fossil fuel projects.

Clean Energy Credit Union also offers a variety of loans that can be used for green energy projects. For example, you apply for a clean energy vehicle loan, green home improvement loan, or electric bike loan.

Certification(s): Fossil Free certified, Green America certified

Clean Energy Credit Union Review

Best Eco-Friendly Local Bank

The Spring Bank Savings Account pays a high interest rate as long as you have at least $100 in your account.

Spring Bank also has low minimum opening deposits and monthly service fees. Even though it's a local bank, you'll have free access to Citibank ATMs and MoneyPass ATMs.

Spring Bank has two branches in the New York City area. If you don't live near a branch, you may still open an account online, but you'll still need to live in New York.

Green practices/policies: According to the bank's website, Spring Bank offset over 192,000 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2019.

Spring Bank is also B Corp certified since 2016, which means that it has met the B Lab's standards for social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

Certification(s): Certified B Corp, CDFI

Spring Bank Review

Other Eco-Friendly Banks That Didn't Make the Cut and Why

• Aspiration Account: Aspiration is a fintech company that's a Certified B Corp and Green America certified. It may be a good option if you're searching for a cash management account. Our top picks offer higher interest rates or have more banking options, though.
• Androscoggin Bank: Androscoggin Bank is a local financial in Maine that's B Corp certified. Most of its accounts have low minimum opening deposits, but also include monthly service fees unless you meet certain requirements.
• Bank of the West: Bank of the West is based mostly on the West Coast, and has partnered with 1% for the Planet to offer a checking account. Through the checking account, the brick-and-mortar bank donates 1% of its net revenue earned from the account to environmental non-profit organizations part of the 1% for the Planet network. The main downside to this account is that you'll need to meet certain requirements to waive a $10 monthly service fee. Read the full review of Bank of the West here.
• Brattleboro Savings & Loan: Brattleboro Savings & Loan is B Corp certified and has branches in Vermont. Its checking account doesn't charge monthly service fees, but you'll need to meet specific requirements to waive monthly service fees on its savings account.
• Beneficial State Bank: Beneficial State Bank is based on the West Coast and has numerous certifications. While its checking account doesn't charge monthly service fees, its savings account does. Our top picks don't charge monthly service fees on their accounts. Read Insider's Beneficial State Bank Review.
• City First Bank: City First Bank is a Black-owned bank with numerous certifications —it's recognized as an MDI, CDFI, Certified B Corp, and GA BV member — and it may be worth considering if you live in Los Angeles or Washington, DC, because it has branches in these cities. It didn't become one of their top picks because it charges monthly service fees on its checking and savings accounts. Read Insider's First Bank Review.
• Clearwater Credit Union: Clearwater Credit Union is a GA BV member and CDFI. It has branches in Montana, but anyone in the US who is over the age of 18 and a US citizen can become a member. Clearwater Credit Union might be a good option if you're looking for a free checking account, but its savings account has monthly service fees unless you qualify to waive the fee.
• Climate First Bank: Climate First Bank has locations in Florida and is Fossil Free certified. When you open a Regeneration Checking Account, you'll donate $100 to Project Regeneration, a non-profit organization focused on climate justice. Most of their top picks have lower initial deposits or more appealing perks, though.
• Lead Bank Lead On Checking Account: Lead Bank is a Missouri-based brick-and-mortar financial institution that is also a GA BV member. Its savings and checking accounts don't charge monthly service fees but may not have unique perks like their top picks.
• Mascoma Bank: Mascoma Bank is B Corp certified. It might be appealing if you're a resident in Vermont and New Hampshire who prioritizes a traditional banking experience, but its checking accounts have monthly service fees unless you qualify to waive them.
• National Cooperative Bank: National Cooperative Bank has one branch in Ohio, and it's a GA BV member. It might be ideal if you're looking for an interest-earning checking account or money market account, but you'll need to meet specific minimum balance requirements to waive monthly service fees on accounts.
• Piscataqua Savings Bank: Piscataqua is a B Corp certified financial institution with one branch in New Hampshire. It wasn't chosen as one of their top picks because its checking account has minimum balance requirements.
• Self-Help Credit Union: Self-Help Credit Union is Fossil Free certified. It has branches in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Virginia, as well as a sister credit union named Self-Help Federal Credit Union with branches in California, Illinois, and Washington. To become a member of either credit union, you'll only need to donate $5 to the bank's non-profit the Center for Community Self-Help. It didn't become one of their top picks because the credit union's checking account fees.
• Sunrise Banks: Sunrise Bank is B Corp certified and a GA BV member. It has branches in Minnesota and South Dakota and might be ideal if you're a resident in one of these states searching for a solid free checking account. But its savings accounts have monthly service fees unless you meet specific requirements. 
• Virginia Community Capital Checking Account: Virginia Community Capital has numerous certifications — it's recognized as a CDFI, Certified B Corp, and fossil-free financial institution. While it has solid free checking and savings accounts, it lacks distinguishing features.
• Verity Credit Union: Verity Credit Union is a GA BV member with branches in Washington. It solid rewards checking account options, but to join Verity Credit Union, you must live in the state of Washington. 
• Vermont State Employees Credit Union: Vermont State Employees Credit Union is a GA BV member. To become a member, you'll need to live or work in the state of Vermont join the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association. While the bank has solid free checking and savings accounts, it lacks standout features.

Are These Banks Trustworthy?

We include ratings from the Better Business Bureau to evaluate how financial institutions address customer issues and handle transparency. Clean Energy Credit Union and Spring Bank haven't been reviewed by the BBB, yet.

Keep in mind that a great BBB rating doesn't necessarily mean you'll have a smooth relationship with a bank. Reach out to current customers or read online customer reviews to get a well-rounded perspective of a bank.

Atmos Financial's partner bank, Five Star Bank has an A- rating because it has three unresolved customer complaints.

Overview of Certifications

Below, is an overview of all the certifications and designations mentioned in their guide:

• B Corp Certification: B Lab is a global non-profit network that issues a B Corp Certification to companies that fulfill high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
• Community development financial institution (CDFI): To become a CDFI, a financial institution must complete a certification process through the US Department of Treasury's Community Development Financial Institutions Fund. One of the primary requirements to become a CDFI is that a financial institution must have banking services and lending opportunities in predominantly low-income and underserved communities. 
• Green America Certification: Green America is a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental justice. The organization certifies businesses that advocate for social change and meet their Green Business Standards. 
• Global Banking on Values (GA BV): GA BV is made up of an international network of mission-driven banks focused on social impact and environmental sustainability. Banks are evaluated to see if they meet certain standards to become a member.
• Fossil Free Certification: To receive a Fossil Free Certification by the volunteer organization Bank. Green, financial institutions must commit to financing zero fossil fuel companies and projects now and in the future.
• Minority depository institution (MDI): An MDI is a financial institution recognized under the FDIC's Minority Depository Institution Program or the NCUA's MDI Preservation Program. To become an MDI, banks or credit unions must be primarily owned or led by Black Americans, Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, or Asian Americans. Financial institutions may also be required to serve these respective groups in their communities.
• 1% for the Planet: Businesses that join 1% of the Planet have pledged to turn over 1% of annual gross sales to non-profit organizations listed on the global network's website.

Why You Should Trust Us: Experts' Advice on Choosing the Best Bank

To learn more about what makes a good bank or credit union and how to choose the best fit, four experts weighed in:

To see if a bank is environmentally friendly, look at the bank's mission statement and policies. Several banks will specify that they do not lend to companies or projects involving fossil fuels. Also check whether a bank has any green certifications.

Beyond that, choose the best bank using the following criteria:

Fees. Many banks charge monthly maintenance fees on their accounts, but they can typically be waived. Make sure you know of any fees, and whether you can qualify to waive them by keeping a minimum balance in your account or by other criteria.

Customer service. Especially in the case of an online-only bank, you should know how to contact customer service and when they're available.

Safety and accessibility. The bank should be insured by the FDIC (or the NCUA for credit unions). You should feel confident in its security measures online, while still comfortable with how easy it is to access and transfer your money. 

Priorities. If you want to earn money on your savings, for example, you'll need a high-yield savings account. Your priorities will likely change over time, so you want a bank you can stick with through changes in circumstance, income, or goals.

Methodology: How Did We Choose the Best Eco-Friendly Banks?

At Personal Finance Insider, their goal is to create useful content that helps you make good decisions about your money. They recognize every person has distinct preferences, so they provide ample options to help you find the most suitable financial product or account.

We research extensively to make sure you know the standout features and limitations of a financial institution.

First, they researched to find financial institutions with green initiatives and green certifications. They looked at each bank's mission statement, policies, and culture to see how the bank tackled sustainability and climate change. They also assessed the requirements that needed to be met to receive green certifications and designations.

Then, they reviewed each institution to find the most-well rounded banking options. They compared minimum opening deposits, monthly services, and interest rates (for savings accounts). They also took into consideration if a bank product had special features — like environmental impact scores or donation opportunities.

For their list, they chose institutions that had clearly outlined green initiatives and strong bank accounts with minimal bank fees. Most of their top picks are also available throughout the US.

See their full ratings methodology for checking, business checking, savings, and money market accounts »

By Dr Mukesh Kwatra 

Environmental education helps promote an understanding of the environment and foster responsible attitudes and behavior towards it. It aims to empower individuals to become environmentally conscious citizens and take actions to mitigate environmental problems. It covers a wide range of topics, including biodiversity, climate change, waste management, energy conservation, and sustainable development. It often involves experiential learning, outdoor activities, and community involvement to help individuals develop a deep connection to nature and recognize the importance of environmental stewardship.

Integration of population and environmental education

The importance of environmental education cannot be overstated, particularly with the rapid rise in global population. As the world population continues to grow, the demand for resources and energy increases, leading to habitat destruction, pollution, and overconsumption. By educating individuals about the relationship between population dynamics and environmental issues, they can better understand the need for sustainable practices and population management strategies. 

Human impact

Environmental education is the process of educating individuals about how human activities impact the environment. It covers subjects such as deforestation and carbon emissions, and helps individuals understand how their daily choices can affect the planet. Having this knowledge is crucial for making informed decisions that will minimize their ecological footprints.

Climate change and environmental education 

Climate change is one of the most demanding issues of their time. Environmental education is essential to improving climate literacy, which can help individuals tackle the effects of a changing climate. People who have a strong understanding of climate science and adaptation strategies are better equipped to handle the impacts of climate change.

Environmental education on climate change can take place in formal education settings such as schools and universities, as well as through non-formal channels such as community-based organizations, workshops, and online platforms. It is crucial to target diverse audiences, including children, students, professionals, policymakers, and the general public. By integrating climate change into educational programs and fostering a culture of lifelong learning, environmental education can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.

Ecological Awareness

Environmental education plays a vital role in helping individuals understand the complex relationships between living organisms and their surroundings. By learning about ecosystems, biodiversity, and the delicate balance of nature, people develop a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all life forms on Earth.

Conservation and sustainable practices 

Education regarding environmental issues empowers individuals to make responsible decisions as consumers and citizens. Whether it’s choosing sustainable products or supporting eco-friendly initiatives, informed decision-making becomes the cornerstone of responsible citizenship. It motivates one to adopt a sustainable lifestyle and instills values of conservation. This can involve anything from sustainable agricultural practices to eco-friendly transportation choices and more.

Individuals equipped with environmental education can sustainably manage natural resources, preserving them for future generations through water conservation, waste reduction, and energy efficiency.

Global Perspective

Environmental education goes beyond borders and encourages a global perspective on environmental challenges. Since environmental issues often have international consequences, those with a broad understanding are more likely to participate in collaborative efforts to address shared concerns.

Connection with nature

Environmental education fosters a deeper connection with nature. Research shows that spending time in nature can lead to increased empathy for the environment and a desire to act in ways that promote its well-being.

Nurturing stewardship

Understanding the fragility of ecosystems and the impact of human activities fosters a sense of environmental stewardship. This stewardship mentality encourages individuals to take responsibility for the well-being of the planet and actively contribute to its conservation.

Problem solving 

Environmental education encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills. As individuals grapple with real-world environmental challenges, they develop the capacity to devise innovative solutions, contributing to the collective effort to build a sustainable future.

NEP 2020 and environmental education 

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recognizes the significance of environmental education as a crucial component of a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to learning. It emphasizes the inclusion of environmental concepts in various subjects, promotes sustainability, and encourages hands-on learning and outdoor activities. The policy also stresses the importance of conducting research and innovation in environmental studies, engaging with the local community, and collaborating with stakeholders. The primary goal of NEP is to foster a sense of environmental awareness and responsibility among students, which aligns with the global principles of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).

Environmental education can be incorporated into school curricula, community outreach programs, and public awareness campaigns. It is essential to start at an early age, as children are more receptive to learning and can develop lifelong habits and attitudes towards the environment. But environmental education is not just a curriculum; it’s a pathway to a sustainable and harmonious future. By developing a sense of responsibility, encouraging a deep connection with nature, and providing the necessary knowledge to tackle environmental challenges, individuals are empowered to become stewards of the planet. As they navigate the complexities of the 21st century, integrating environmental education into their learning systems becomes not only crucial, but also a transformative force for the well-being of their planet and future generations.

The author is the founder of Smiling Tree.

HEBER – The Imperial County Democrats, also known as the Imperial County Democrats Central Committee, held a forum for the California 36th Assembly District Candidate Forum on Thursday, December 28 at 6 p.m. here at the Prestige Event Center.

The five Democratic party candidates – Waymond Fermon (Indio), Edgard Garcia (El Centro), Tomás Oliva (El Centro), Eric Rodriguez (Brawley), and Joey Acuña Jr. (Coachella) – vying for Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia’s seat, took turns answering six questions given by the moderators from the local Democrat group. The two Republican candidates, Jeff Gonzalez (Coachella), who ran against Garcia in 2018, and Kalin Morse (Westmorland), who runs local a nonprofit that promotes wildlife habitat conservation, were not present at the forum.

The speaking order was randomized, each candidate was allotted a 3-minute response per question, and participants were discouraged against “personal attacks, slanderous remakes, or any comments that compromise an individual’s privacy” by the organizers, per an event program. The forum was moderated by Stella Jimenez.

Editor’s Note: For the sake of length, one answer per question by one candidate each will be highlighted in its entirety for this article. Question One – the only question not given to the candidates ahead of time – will include answers from each of the five candidates.

Q1: As a Democratic candidate, how do you plan to embody and advanced the core values and policies of the Democratic party in Imperial County? Considering the party’s national focus on areas such as climate action, health care action, social justice, and economic equality, how will these priorities shape your policy decisions and initiatives, especially for your community? Moreover, will you provide specific examples of how you have demonstrated these democratic principles in your current, past work or plans for the future?

FERMON: “I think one of the most important things is, is to collaborate with the community. You have to understand what this community wants, and that’s how you start forming decisions. The other part of it is you have to collaborate with the other local elected officials, such as the Board of Supervisors, (city) council members, school board members and [other entities] in your communities, and that’s how you start to make decisions in the community and start to form policy.

“In the City of Indio during some of their more turbulent times, such as the George Floyd uprisings, I worked with Congressman Raul Ruiz and their African-American community and law enforcement community to bridge those gaps so they can understand where that divide is and how they can make a change to bring people together, and I think being diplomatic and democratic in that process really pushed forward positive influence in their Coachella Valley.

“Also, I believe in inclusion. If you look at the City of Indio and their logo it has different colors; I believe in empowering people of color. I believe in empowering women. I believe in empowering LGBTQ community. I come from a marginalized community, I understand what it’s like to be marginalized, so I think those core values of the Democratic party are very important.

“Also, women’s rights. I come from a single-mother family where they were boxed in a lot of times because she didn’t have those opportunities and resources. I want to provide those opportunities and resources for some of their single families. In the City of Indio in the last two years, we’ve been able to have more than over 1,000 affordable housing units in planning or being constructed. Right now they have over 500 being constructed right now, and that is to support their families and their hard working class families in the City of Indio, and I hope to bring that same blueprint to Imperial County.

“People say they have a divided counties; I don’t believe in divided counties because I’ve spent over 22 years here in Imperial County so my heart lies here, so I hope to bring that same blueprint and those values to this county as well.”

GARCIA: “I think that’s a very good question. I think No. 1 when it comes to Democratic principles that they should be focused on its finding solutions that affect their most disenfranchised residents, whether it be children that are unable to go to extracurriculars because of their family’s budget, …infrastructure and green spaces like libraries and parks that they can enjoy and they have somewhere to go on their off time to get them on the right track and make sure that they all assist their underprivileged youth.

“And also support when it comes to health care. How important is it to make sure that every single one of us has access to sustainable health care. These the principles that have molded my policymaking decisions in the City of El Centro and have had great opportunity to work with my colleagues that share that same vision, and we’ve brought back some increasing change – from their new library to their parks and recreation, to being able, for the first time, to actually sponsor youth sports team so they have the opportunity to play.

“So it’s something that I have instilled in my family and my children. I come from a single-mother. I grew up in one bedroom apartments. I was a member of those recreational leagues and visited those libraries built by government, and that has shaped everything that I am.

“I have had the great opportunity through education to be an advocate for my community, for my residents and for my clients as a practicing attorney of nearly 14 years, so it’s something that I see day-in and day-out, how government policies and legislation affect families on a day-to-day basis.

“It’s something that sits at my core, allows me to advocate and get up every morning and think about these problems, and try and find reasonable solutions that will have impact on their residents, whether they be children, middle-class Americans who are just working to survive and provide for their family, or their seniors that also need attention in the later years of their life, but it’s something I’ve been focused on. I think that work that we’ve done in the city and my policies there, with the help of my colleagues; I think it’s something that has shown in my career.”

OLIVA: “So I have been lifelong Democrat in Imperial County and I have never wavered from those principles, even in the past I also chaired the Imperial County Democratic Central Committee many years ago.

“One of the struggles that the Democratic party here faces is the lack of civic engagement and political engagement. There needs to be a better effort of being able to inform the general public of the issues that are before them, the candidates that are asking for your vote and your support, but very importantly, is for the residents to realize that they have the ability to vote by mail, to remind them that the Election Day is when ballots come in because that is going to encourage them to participant.

“Over the last several years they have made strides. Remember the time where your ballot wouldn’t get delivered because you didn’t put enough stamps on the envelope? Those policies were changed statewide to allow for everyone’s vote to count, for everyone’s voice to be heard.

“I think it starts with us: it starts with us as candidates and as office- holders, to be people with a good moral compass, to have integrity, to be able to show you what they expect of their community, to be the best version of ourselves as they ask you for support, to support the ideas, projects and policies that they would set forth, and for you to trust in that these policies and plans really are in your best interest. Right?

“Imperial County is diverse in that sense. There are geographical differences in this county that feel that they have not been heard or they have been forgotten over the years, and most of those communities are the outlying communities, like Winterhaven, Niland and Bombay Beach, who are still struggling in terms of infrastructure, air quality, right? So it is important for their next assembly member to advocate and include those communities in terms of funding, policies and projects.

“I think one of the most difficult things that a candidate or an office holder has to deal with is standing up for issues and taking a stance and position when it’s unpopular. It’s the hardest thing to see an elected official say ‘that is wrong’ even when it’s the right thing to do.

“And so I think that in order to promote the Democratic values it is to look for a candidate that is going to stand up for the right thing, whether it benefits them or not.”

RODRIGUEZ: “…One thing you’re going to get from me is you’re not going to get fluff, you’re going to get me. This is me.

“In 2016, I filed a non-party preference. Why? Because the Democratic party at that time supported a presidential candidate that had a federal investigation. I can’t get a job with a local investigation … not going to hire me if I have a DA investigation. I cannot support that; I did not support that candidate, so I moved my Democratic status to non-party preference, and essentially from that point on, my politics was ‘I support the best candidate.’

“So when I filed for state assembly I filed as a Democrat. Why? Because I’m proof that Democrat policies work. (I’m a) single dad with nothing. I utilized my public service to (come back) from nothing, to get me and my two daughters back, and that’s the Democratic policies that I’m going to support, advocate and implement. You’re going to see that.

“If you visit my work pages you can see that I’m very transparent, and everything that I stand on is Democratic policy.”

ACUÑA: “I think that [the easiest way for me] is to do what my parents taught me growing up: ‘Be kind to everyone. Everybody needs to be treated equally.’

“My dad was a union man from the Labor’s Local 1184 over in Coachella Valley, my mom was a housekeeper who worked with some pretty rich people (and they) always reminded me that, ‘They’re the same as us. They make a little bit more money but they’re the same as us.’

“So those values have transcended everything that I (embodied) growing up. Now that is not to say that me, my mom and my dad didn’t have their disagreements (as I was) growing up, but I think some of those values that they instilled (in me) carried over to my work.

“Some of my earliest advocacy was environmental, actually, fighting a big trash dump mine that they wanted to do (in the Coachella Valley). Myself and a bunch of scraggly looking guys, and ladies, got together. They say ‘you’ll never defeat a billion dollar industry’ and they defeated them. Again, I didn’t do it – they did it, it was united. That’s where they get the Democratic party – when we’re united that’s how they win, when we’re divided, that’s when they lose. That’s when they start to fall apart.

“So that value of putting everybody back together, that is something that I’ve always advocated. I’ve endorsed Democratic candidates from all genders and all sides, it doesn’t matter, because again, they try to go for the best candidate that is available at the time, but at the end of the day there’s usually a choice (and) you have to pick one or the other. The person that I’m 99% with is probably the person that is going to get my support.

“But as to the issues out here, for me, education, health care and infrastructure are the three main issues, because everything goes through that. Education in their school district – again, I did not do this, they did, (me and) my colleagues – they went from a punitive system of discipline and went to a restorative justice (system).

“Maybe in their communities, especially their parents, bought into that, but not everybody. They (in the Coachella Valley Unified School District) did it anyway. Long before the state mandated everything, in their district they supported the ethnic studies program and made it mandatory for graduation. Again, it wasn’t very popular in some areas, but they did it anyway. They started moving in that direction, but again, I was only able to do those things with the help of my colleagues – building those bridges, not tearing them down, right?

“Too much in society today, they see this all the time, everybody wins by destroying the other person. That’s not how you get anything accomplished.

“Imperial County has a lot of serious issues. I think their current assembly member, who has fully endorsed and supported me, has done a great job starting those, and my job will be to continue that in the next administration, and make sure that Imperial County is not forgotten, anywhere in Imperial County.”

Q2: As a representative, being actively involved and visible in their district is key to truly understand and addressing their communities’ needs. Can you share your plans with regularly engaging with Imperial County residents? How will you ensure that these interactions are not just symbolic but lead to tangible actions. Moreover, what measures will you put in place to allow constituents to hold you accountable for your presence and responsiveness in their community?

FERMON: “As a mayor and council member in the City of Indio, which is the largest city in Assembly District 36, I use a slogan and it’s called ‘Boots on the Ground.’

“If you look at my record and you go to my social media and my website, you will see. I will challenge any other elected official in Imperial County and Riverside County for being ‘boots on the ground’ because I believe that and I take pride in that.

“When I say ‘boots on the ground’ that’s meeting with the grandmothers and the grandfathers, that’s meeting with the different clubs, political clubs, the nonprofits, the faith-based communities, to see what I need to go to Sacramento and advocate for you for.

“The reality is I’m not going to come to El Centro and build affordable housing or Heber to build a bridge but what I need to know is what the Board of Supervisors is working on so they can work cohesively to advocate for funds. I can bring those funds back to the supervisors, to the elected officials to Imperial all the way into Calipatria and Niland, so that’s how it is done. You have to be ‘boots on the ground.’ You have to be available. You have to have an open door policy.

“Now as an assembly member you will have offices in Imperial County and Coachella Valley but ‘there’s no ‘i’ in team,’ so you have to empower your team to get out there with their boots on the ground, doing their work and representing you in values and ethics, and also taking those values and ethics that are represented in Imperial and Riverside counties up to Sacramento because they have to lead that way.

“We have to lead by example – and that’s what I’ve been able to do. If you search my social media it looks like I’ve been campaigning for five years and I haven’t; I just haven’t stopped and I believe in that.

“When it’s my time to move on I’ll move on for someone that is more energetic and has that goal, but for right now that’s what I believe in – I believe in having those meetings, having town halls, and being open to any conversation. Even if I’m not the popular one in the room – and sometimes that might happen – because you’re going to have to make decision that aren’t popular, but you have to do that.

“Also you have to not only meet with your electeds but also meet with your constituents even where they’re comfortable. Not everyone is comfortable going to a council meeting, they can be a bit intimidating; so you might have to go to a church.

“I’ve been to Career Days a Dogwood Elementary School … Sunflower … Desert Mirage High School … Palm Desert High School. I’ve been a mentor. I’ve also worked for a nonprofit, I partnered with a nonprofit … where they worked with people who are marginalized, in particular incarcerated inmates. I’ve worked in the prison system for 22 years. When you have four (prison) institutions inside of your district you have to understand how they operate.

“Now I have to provide credit where credit is due – their Assemblymember Garcia has worked to provide educational systems within those institutions. However, what happens when those families move out here and those fellas get out? They need people to provide them those wrap-around services as well as the community.

“So it’s about collaboration, not only with the community but your constituents as well.”

Q3: Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, hailing from the Coachella Valley, has set a commendable precedent in advocating for both Coachella and Imperial valleys. As they move forward, how do you plan to continue and enhance this legacy of bridging the gap between the two regions? What specific strategies will you implement to ensure that both valleys receive equal attention and resources, fostering a sense of unity and mutual progress while addressing their unique needs and challenges?

ACUÑA: “The original question … actually there’s four areas, it’s not just Coachella Valley and Imperial Valley … Palo Verde and San Bernardino works within the district, so it’s a huge district, and again, it comes down to ‘you have to show up.’

“I would respectfully disagree I guess (with Mr. Rodriguez). I think the (current) assembly member has done a great job showing up in the Imperial Valley, he shows up to the stuff over there, and he shows up to the things that aren’t expected. He’ll show up to a tournament at a school just because, no photo op no nothing, just because, and I think that’s important.

“You need to show up not because you have a crowd, you need to show up just because, and I think I’ve done that throughout my career.

“And again, to bring people together. I like to think I have a broader coalition, especially in the Coachella Valley, where others haven’t. Maybe it’s because I’m a little bit older than some of the people here. I’ve kind of gotten passed that ‘burn the bridges down,’ ‘who gets more likes,’ and all that kind of stuff, and I’ve realized we’re here to do a job, right?

“You take your job seriously (and) you don’t take yourself too seriously. When they attack you on social media my son would call me and get all freaked out, and I’m like, ‘Yeah, OK.’

“You can’t control what people do; all you can control is how you respond, and you respond by getting to work and getting the job done. That’s what they do. That’s what parents do, that’s what adults do, and that’s how you get it done.

“So, again, my commitment to the Imperial Valley, the Coachella Valley, Palo Verde Valley, San Bernardino and other regions is that we’re going to show up. It’s a large region.

“We will be remembering that the assembly member is going to be in Sacramento, normally, from Monday through Thursday, so they have to start … putting a good team together at a local level that maintain and listen to all the issues. And when they need to be there we’ll show up.

“Sometimes you’re going to have to go somewhere unexpectedly because something happens, and that’s OK, but again, it goes back to ‘you need to meet with everyone.’ I respect that.

“… but again, I learn more from promotoras sometimes than I do from electeds. That’s no disrespect. That’s like going to the schools, sometimes I learn more from the secretary that sits in the front that I do from the principal. That’s just the way it works: you have to talk to the people who are on the ground, on the front line, and understand these issues. Work with the electeds….

“A lot of the greatest achievements or their school district came from parents, came from the community – they just needed to know how to put it together. …we got together, they refined it, and they put it into practice, creating more programs for their schools and different things for their kids.

“And so I think that’s how you get it done. And again it goes back to: you’ve got to show up. You can’t worry about the little stuff. People will call you names – you just gotta do.”

Q4: After COVID-19, hospitals in health care districts throughout California have experienced financial constraints leading to the disrupture of services and closure of hospitals, like the Madera Community Hospital. Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District, El Centro Regional Medical Center, and Heffernan Memorial Healthcare District have all faced similar challenges, which led to Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia writing AB 918, which sought to establish a countywide health care district across Imperial County. Could you share your insights on AB 918 and the current health care challenges in their district? Additionally, what further legislative measures would you propose in the state assembly to strengthen health care accessibility and resilience in their district and across California?

RODRIGUEZ: “So again, and this is my response … I was born and raised in Brawley. I was born in PMH. I serve in El Centro, I utilize El Centro Regional for work, that’s where my family goes, so I have a foot in each hospital. One of the issues that I had that I brought up to Eddie, Mr. Garcia, is the community’s issues with the lack of transparency and accountability.

“So that lack of transparency beings with ‘What happened to El Centro Regional?’ and I mean that with all due respect, I’m not poking at anyone, I mean that with respect. What happened to community and the El Centro Regional Medical Center? I still don’t have an answer, I consider myself an educated person, and I still can’t have a fair answer to that. My issue with that is they don’t want to see … El Centro fall.

“Accountability; who should be held accountable? I don’t have a clear answer. The council that was on the El Centro Regional board, the (ECRMC) elected board; should they hold them accountable? The community wants accountability to ensure that this does not happen again.

“Day two: Uniting their community. There is a divide between Brawley and Central, and this divide – I believe – was created by individuals. I don’t think this divide was created by politics, I think it was created by individuals.

“It’s going to take someone charismatic, someone authentic, to reunite Central and Brawley with great purpose, and that great purpose is long-term health care for their children.

“It’s very simple: The community wants stable hospitals that make sense and will serve their children.

“(A matter of) Policy: Never having closed door meetings. That ends with me: They will not have closed door meetings. Thank you.”

Q5: Imperial County is said to contain enough brine … to support the growing demand of lithium in the United States and nearly 30% of the world’s demand. State and federal officials, one being California Gov. Gavin Newsom, have traveled to Imperial County stating that their region will become a hub for global innovation. With private entities confirming the construction of the first commercial lithium plant could begin as soon as 2024, what is your perspective on the state’s goal to phase out gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035, and how will you ensure their region’s increasingly critical resources are extracted in an equitable manner?

OLIVA: “I think the 2035 goal for the state is very ambitious, but even then, specifically here in Imperial County it just seems unlikely because of their current rate. They currently lack the infrastructure to sustain these goals in Imperial County.

“We don’t have enough charging stations enough for personal vehicles let alone fleet vehicles that are going to be required for schools, IID, municipalities, police departments, fire departments – so what does all that mean for us?

“The way that I try to describe it is that there’s a gasoline era, a hybrid era, and an electric vehicle era. They are currently in a hybrid era, and that is because any person that is thinking about purchasing an electric vehicle is going to have ‘range anxiety.’

“They’re going to know that it’s going to take an hour to charge your vehicle, and that (charge) is going to take you maybe 300 miles, so you’re going to plan your trip to LA, Coachella or elsewhere, and you’re going to have to plan where you’re going to stop. So there’s still a need for the technology to meet these goals that is going to make you less comfortable than it is to just fill up your gas tank, and to know that you’re going to go as far.

“The infrastructure is still needing, and the technology within the batteries as far as range is still needing – maybe the answer is a solid state battery – but what they need to do is still get there so they can finally live what the state’s goal really encompasses, which is for us to live in a full electric vehicle era … with a legion of refuels, where you can charge your vehicles in 15 minutes or less, and then you can make it a reasonable distance.

“That means infrastructure, charging stations, investment in their utility companies in order to bulk up their substations in order to re-invest in transmission lines as well as the base load and have the electricity needed for these additional electric vehicles, electric stoves, electric water heaters, electric dryers, right?

“So lithium recovery in Imperial County is unique; it’s unique because it’s recovered from the geothermal brine. It’s unique in Imperial County other than anywhere else in the world, and the reason for that is because it’s a closed-loop system – lithium is recovered in a way that it is the least impactful to their environment, which means, per the technology, it is the safest way to recover lithium as opposed to mining from a mountain.

“So what does ‘equity’ mean in terms of Lithium Valley? Equity means investment into the communities surrounding Lithium Valley — that means Bombay Beach, Niland, Calipatria, Salton City. Investment. Equity means investment in Salton Sea restoration and mitigation. And the extraction tax addresses that, specifically.

“But equity also means providing that the communities providing this lithium that will eventually go into batteries that will eventually go into electric vehicles can actually afford those same vehicles.

“Those are the plans and policies that I plan to support and move forward if given the opportunity.”

Q6: Considering California’s proactive stance, and the exact federal funding towards the Salton Sea restoration, what is your vision for the state’s ongoing role in this crucial endeavor? How will you ensure that the state continues to lead and effectively integrate these … resources to address the Salton Sea’s environmental and public health challenges? Additionally, what new initiatives or policies do you believe are necessary at the state level to complement and enhance these efforts for long-term sustainability and community wellbeing?

GARCIA: “Yes, thank you. The Salton Sea area, in terms of its environmental impact to their community, is at a crisis level. It has been at a crisis level for some time.

“The receding of the Salton Sea has exposed toxic ‘playa,’ which gets blown around their Valley and other surrounding areas. This has caused their asthma rates among their youth to skyrocket compared to other areas of the country.

“This is a crisis because the plans of action that have been taken, the [steps] that have been completed have all lead to reasonable solutions on how to mitigate it. Where they have been lacking has been in expedited action. That is what they need; they need to act on these things right now.

“It’s a complicated issue. They need to mitigate the environmental challenges that they have with the area. They need to manage the water that is going into the Salton Sea in order to prevent any further toxic playa to be exposed. They need to mitigate the pollutants that are coming into the Salton Sea from the New River, which there is a new landmark project in Calexico that should be assisting with that.

“There are other solutions in terms of building habitable marshlands surrounding the Salton Sea area in order to bring more birds and fauna, in order to use their natural ecosystem to filter some of the pollutants in that area, but it’s going to come down to water.

“Water is going to be the more important resource, and they need to fight with Sacramento to make sure that they have enough of their precious resource flowing into the Salton Sea to prevent any future erosion and any further exposing of this toxic playa that is essentially carrying heavy metals and poison into their children’s lungs.

“That is the biggest issue that they will be dealing with for years to come. It is something that needs immediate action. They need all of their stakeholders, because it truly will affect all of us.

“There is a exact article that came out that said ‘If a large portion of the Salton Sea were to further recede and this toxic playa were to be exposed, it would essentially make the Imperial Valley uninhabitable. No more agriculture. Nobody else would live here.

“That is how serious the problem is, so they need to get federal funding, they need to get state funding, work in cohesion with their local elected officials and stakeholders because it will not just impact the area surrounding the areas surrounding the Salton Sea; it will impact all of Imperial Valley, Coachella Valley and it will go as far as Arizona and San Diego.”

The primary election is March 5, 2024. County election officials are scheduled to send out vote-by-mail ballots to all registered voters in early February, according to UkenReport.com. The last day to register to vote for the March 5 Presidential Primary Election is February 20, 2024.

FIRST ON FOX: The State of Tennessee is suing BlackRock, the world's largest financial asset manager, in a first-of-its-kind lawsuit alleging the firm has harmed consumers through its environmental commitments and climate strategy.

According to the lawsuit filed in state court Monday and first obtained by FOX Business, BlackRock has articulated two inconsistent positions: one prioritizing financial returns and the other prioritizing investment policies to combat climate change. While BlackRock has faced widespread opposition over its so-called environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy, Tennessee's action on Monday is the first legal challenge to accuse BlackRock of violating consumer protection laws.

"We allege that BlackRock’s inconsistent statements about its investment strategies deprived consumers of the ability to make an informed choice," Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti told FOX Business in a statement.

"Some public statements show a company that focuses exclusively on return on investment, others show a company that gives special consideration to environmental factors," he continued. "Ultimately, I want to make certain that corporations, no matter their size, treat Tennessee consumers fairly and honestly."

INTERNAL EMAILS SHOW SEC COORDINATED CLIMATE DISCLOSURE RULES WITH AI FIRM SET TO FINANCIALLY BENEFIT

Over the last two years, Republican state attorneys general and state financial officers have loudly criticized BlackRock, which manages a staggering $9.1 trillion worldwide, over its ESG policies, which officials have said amount to the firm using its financial power to force companies into adopting certain policies. 

Critics have specifically argued that ESG-focused asset managers like BlackRock are sidestepping their legally-mandated fiduciary duty to consider the well-being of clients whose money they manage. Promoting climate policies may lead to worse financial performance given the high profitability of fossil fuel industry, according to officials.

21 STATES THREATEN BANKS WITH LEGAL ACTION OVER WOKE POLICIES: 'STAY IN YOUR LANE'

"BlackRock has admitted that promoting ESG aims — like companies’ radically reducing their carbon output — can conflict with its funds’ financial performance," the lawsuit states. "It is thus only fair that consumers know if the hard-earned funds they invest will be leveraged to BlackRock’s ESG ends, rather than to maximizing financial returns."

"Yet for years, BlackRock has misled consumers about the scope and effects of its widespread ESG activity," it adds. "BlackRock’s conduct concerning the marketing or sale of its investment products and services constitutes deceptive acts and practices under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act."

The lawsuit notes that BlackRock in exact years has joined activist organizations — namely the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative and Climate Action 100+ — which require member companies and groups to make certain climate commitments. 

The Net Zero Asset Managers initiative states on its website that it "aims to galvanize the asset management industry to commit to a goal of net zero emissions in order to mitigate financial risk and to maximize long-term value of assets." And Climate Action 100+ identifies itself as "an investor-led initiative to ensure the world’s largest corporate greenhouse gas emitters take necessary action on climate change."

BLACKROCK TURNED DOWN RECORD NUMBER OF CLIMATE PROPOSALS AMID INFLATION, ESG PUSHBACK

"We reject the Attorney General’s claims and will vigorously contest any accusations that BlackRock violated Tennessee’s consumer protection laws," a BlackRock spokesperson told FOX Business. "Contrary to the Attorney General’s claims, BlackRock fully and accurately discloses their investment practices and their approach to proxy voting."

"On behalf of their clients, BlackRock has invested approximately $40 billion in Tennessee, and they are helping more than 600,000 hard-working Tennesseans retire with dignity. They are proud of their contribution and committed to the future in Tennessee," the statement continued.

In addition, the lawsuit highlights that BlackRock CEO Larry Fink has publicly stated that his firm asks companies it holds investments in to set greenhouse-gas-reduction targets, which it polices through voting and engagement. 

Fink, though, attempted to walk back his prior ESG commitments earlier this year after multiple states moved to pull billions of dollars in state pensions managed by BlackRock. Fink said during an event in June that he was "ashamed of being part of this conversation."

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS

"Attorney General Skrmetti is protecting consumers and calling out deception from asset management firms turned tyrants like BlackRock and its CEO Larry Fink who are attempting to foist a political agenda on the people of Tennessee and all Americans," said Will Hild, the executive director of Consumers' Research, a right-leaning consumer advocacy group. 

"Larry Fink has been forgoing his fiduciary duty by taking consumers’ money and using it for Leftist causes such as ESG and arbitrary net-zero goals for far too long," Hild told FOX Business. "This lawsuit is taking the fight directly to Larry Fink and BlackRock to let them know these policies will not be tolerated. I applaud his commitment in protecting Tennesseans, and Consumers' Research will continue to support actions that push back on ESG policies that do much more harm than good."

All companies have impacts, defined as changes in important positive or negative outcomes for people or the planet, almost all of which are not currently measured in a comparable or comprehensive way.[1] Measuring and valuing the impacts that companies have on society and the environment, while not itself a sufficient condition, is a necessary one for reimagining capitalism. In the absence of clearly defined impact metrics and transparency, these considerations are likely to be absent from decision-making. Decisions will continue to be made on existing financial metrics that do not reflect a holistic view of how an organization creates value as they ignore impacts on employees, customers, the environment and the broader society.

In order to provide actionable signals for business leaders, these impacts must be connected to accounting statements. Monetary valuation of impacts and their incorporation into accounting statements will explore whether monetization, as a form of valuation:

1. Translates all types of social and environmental impact into comparable units that business managers and investors intuitively understand.
2. Can be meaningfully aggregated and compared without obscuring important details needed for decision-making.
3. Displays financial and impact performance in the same accounts, allowing for the use of existing financial and business analysis tools to assess corporate performance.

Just as the development of the financial accounting infrastructure has been a necessary condition for the development of large-scale capital markets, the development of impact-weighted financial accounts (“impact-weighted accounts”) is a necessary condition for the development of capital markets driven by sustainability considerations.

By Miriam Raftery

December 30, 2023 (San Diego’s East County)—It’s been a turbulent year, from the resignation of a supervisor to a tropical storm slamming their region, from environmental impacts of a drained reservoir to a migrant crisis at the border, from homelessness challenges facing local cities to financial challenges shutting down a popular parade, to name just a few of the top local stories. National and international news stories also sent shock waves across their region, from a former president and current candidate indicted on criminal charges to the Israeli-Hamas war igniting anguish and protests.

Our reporting team has worked hard to bring you in-depth coverage on the most important stories of the year affecting residents across East County.

Here are the top news stories and issues that they covered in 2023.

Please note: China Environmental Tech and Bioenergy performed a 1:10 stock split on Jan 02, 2024

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