BILL ANALYSIS
AB 262
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CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS
AB 262 (Bass)
As Amended September 1, 2009
Majority vote
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|ASSEMBLY: |58-15|(June 2, 2009) |SENATE: |37-0 |(September 3, |
| | | | | |2009) |
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Original Committee Reference: U. & C.
SUMMARY : Provides direction and authorization to the California
Energy Commission (CEC) regarding the use of money received
pursuant to the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
of 2009 (ARRA) for energy-related activities. Specifically,
this bill:
1)Authorizes the appropriate state energy and water agencies to
administer ARRA funding and directs them to adhere to the
principle of accountability while also adhering to existing
state policies to promote energy efficiency, including green
building practices, promote water conservation, promote the
development and use of renewable energy resources, protect the
environment, and provide green job training.
2)States legislative intent that CEC make policy decisions that
leverage and maximize the use of these dollars, including, but
not limited to, the areas of energy efficiency, renewable
energy, water efficiency, weatherization, and green workforce
development.
3)Appropriates $113,093,000 to CEC from the Federal Trust Fund
for expenditure consistent with ARRA.
The Senate amendments revise the original intent language
regarding how ARRA money is to be spent, as well as add the
appropriation language necessary to spend that funding.
AS PASSED BY THE ASSEMBLY , this bill provided direction and
authorization to CEC regarding the use of money received
pursuant to ARRA for energy-related activities by:
1)Authorizing CEC to award grants from funds received pursuant
to the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) and
AB 262
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ARRA, as well as enter into contracts to perform functions
required to promptly award energy efficiency and conservation
block grants.
2)Increasing the percent of the funds received pursuant for the
federal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG)
that CEC may use for administrative expenses to 10%.
3)Authorizing CEC to adopt guidelines governing the award,
eligibility, and administration of funding pursuant to ARRA at
a publicly noticed meeting.
FISCAL EFFECT : According to the Senate Appropriations
Committee, this bill would cost $113,093,000 in federal funds.
COMMENTS : Under ARRA, CEC expects the state to receive $226
million for State Energy Programs and $56 million for energy
efficiency and conservation grants to local governments.
Federal law (and current state law) allows CEC to use federal
stimulus funds for grants or loans, with specified
requirements on the use of repayment proceeds from any loans
made with federal funds.
This bill authorizes CEC to make grants and enter into contracts
to award federal energy efficiency and conservation funds.
Analysis Prepared by : Nina Kapoor / U. & C. / (916) 319-2083
FN:
0002939