LEGISLATIVE UPDATE - May 1, 2009
Developing Programs for New Federal and State Energy Initiatives
CCSE taking leadership role in regional and statewide planning for AB 811 and ARRA Funds
Recent federal and state initiatives supporting energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies are a once in a generation opportunity to develop the infrastructure in California to achieve energy goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to Andrew McAllister, CCSE director of programs.
At a meeting of the California Energy Commission held in Sacramento on Wednesday, April 29, McAllister spoke about activities in the San Diego region to implement municipal clean energy programs under California Assembly Bill ( AB) 811 and how to leverage the programs with financing from President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ( ARRA) of 2009.
“Critical state policies and local government programs are being developed now that will impact how clean energy services will be delivered to residents and businesses over the next few decades,” McAllister said. “We want to ensure that the actions taken now lead to policies and practices that turn energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies into standard practices. Improving the energy performance of the existing housing stock must be a priority and is where aggressive policy measures and well-coordinated implementation are central to achieving success.”
AB 811 allows land-secured loans for homeowners and businesses who install energy-efficiency projects and clean-energy generation systems, to be paid back through assessments on individual property tax bills. If the property is sold, the outstanding loan balance is taken over by the new owner. AB 811 means property owners can avoid up-front installation costs, while at the same time requiring little or no investment of local government general funds.
In San Diego County, the cities of San Diego and Solana Beach are first among the region’s 19 jurisdictions to initiate development of land-based finance programs. Additionally, a statewide program is under development, in which cities could elect to participate. This effort is being sponsored by California Communities, a statewide Joint Powers Authority, with implementation led by Renewable Funding LLC. As the program partner for the San Diego region, CCSE will host a meeting later this month for local government officials to discuss AB 811 program structure and implementation.
The ARRA contains several financing opportunities for California jurisdictions, including State Energy Program grants, block grants and a variety of bond programs that can support private and public sector clean energy projects. McAllister said the California Energy Commission and other agencies are working to coordinate and leverage these various funding sources so that they can provide the highest possible benefit to local governments and residents.
For more information about AB 811 and ARRA energy funds, visit the CCSE Public Affairs website. To hear a webcast of the April 29 California Energy Commission meeting click here.
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