(March 23, 2010) Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger yesterday signed a California Chamber of Commerce ‘job creator” bill that is a step in the right direction toward helping the state diversify its sources for generating electricity.
SBX8 34 (Padilla; D-Pacoima) ensures the expedited permitting of environmentally sound solar thermal and photovoltaic powerplants, enabling them to qualify for grants under the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).
SBX8 34 will help ensure that 11 solar thermal and 4 photovoltaic power plants currently under review with the California Energy Commission (CEC) remain eligible for the 30 percent project cost grants under the ARRA funds. These funds, however, are available only to projects that begin construction by no later than December 31, 2010. An expeditious process could help add more than 5,000 megawatts to California’s grid, help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and effectively put California at the forefront of renewable energy development.
SBX8 34 is a common-sense bill that provides benefits to the state’s economy and environment.
“Our bold and innovative vision for California has made us a pioneer in renewable energy, green jobs and environmental protection and, as a result, we are seeing an energy revolution in California," Governor Schwarzenegger said in a news release. "California now has more than 240 proposed renewable projects looking to build and create jobs. This action will help speed up the process for some of these large projects to break ground this year and qualify for federal stimulus funding. By working together, we can increase renewable energy development, create thousands of jobs and preserve our state's cherished natural resources."
The construction of the state’s energy infrastructure is vital to the economic growth of California. Although California is working aggressively to meet its ambitious environmental and energy goals, a number of issues are arising, causing delays in building the infrastructure that the state needs. One of these challenges is exemplified by the difficulty of getting projects through the approval process for construction. For this reason, it is even more important that the state look for ways to help streamline this arduous process in order to help the state meet its goals.
SBX8 34 is an important measure in light of the state’s current economy. Enabling projects to obtain the financing needed to move forward not only helps ensure that California is on track to meet its Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) goals, but also the timely construction of these projects will create thousands of jobs, stimulating and boosting the economy when jobs are vital and essential to the state’s economic recovery.
Staff Contact: Brenda Coleman