Release: California clean energy bills pass final policy committees

Legislation to promote solar power, offshore wind, energy efficiency passes key milestone

SACRAMENTO – California legislators on Monday passed a series of clean energy bills sponsored by Environment California through their final policy committees, bringing the state another step closer to achieving its 100% clean energy requirement.

Bills that cleared committees would spur solar development alongside California’s highways, enhance port readiness to support the state’s offshore wind development, and improve energy efficiency in large buildings and older buildings.

“Last week’s string of record-breaking global temperatures is an urgent reminder that we must accelerate our transition to clean energy,” said Steven King, Environment California’s clean energy advocate. “These bills will accelerate California’s transition to clean energy by taking advantage of available locations for solar power, catalyzing offshore wind development and saving energy along the way.”

SB 49 (Becker), which would have Caltrans develop a strategic plan for siting solar infrastructure, energy storage and transmission lines alongside California’s highways, passed in the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee on Monday. The bill’s provision to incentivize solar canopies over parking lots with a tax credit was removed in the committee, as members were unable to reach a consensus because of uncertain fiscal implications.

SB 48 (Becker), which would create a plan to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in large buildings, passed in the Assembly Natural Resources Committee on Monday. Large buildings of at least 50,000 square feet represent a small share of all structures but a majority of building emissions and energy usage. This bill will leverage existing energy usage data to enhance energy efficiency in these buildings.

“To meet our climate change goals, we must find creative and simple ways to cut carbon emissions and increase efficient, clean energy,” said Sen. Becker. “My legislation accomplishes this by cutting emissions in older, large buildings and incentivizes solar and clean energy projects on parking lots and along highways without disturbing state lands.”

AB 3 (Zbur), which would create a plan to enhance seaport readiness and study the potential for in-state manufacturing for offshore wind power infrastructure development, passed in the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee on Monday. Ports will play a critical role as hubs for manufacturing, assembly, operations and maintenance. This plan is an important step in maximizing offshore wind power generation.

“There’s not time to waste in our fight against climate change, so we must do all that we can to make offshore wind successful in California,” said Asm. Zbur. “Developing a clear strategy to assure that our ports are ready and upgraded to support offshore wind development and taking steps to bring high wage jobs to California puts us on the right track to deliver the many benefits of offshore wind power to all Californians.”

After the Legislature’s summer recess, these bills will next be heard in their respective appropriations committees before being eligible for a full floor vote.

“We thank Sen. Josh Becker, Asm. Rick Zbur, and all of the committee chairs and members who voted for these important clean energy bills,” concluded King. “We look forward to making sure these bills continue to advance through the legislature.”