BILL NUMBER: SJR 13	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Vargas
   (Principal coauthor: Assembly Member V. Manuel Pérez)

                        AUGUST 16, 2011

   Relative to cross-border transmission lines.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SJR 13, as introduced, Vargas. Public utilities: cross-border
transmission lines.
   This measure would call upon the Secretary of the United States
Department of Energy to reject Sempra Energy's application to
construct the Energía Sierra Juárez cross-border transmission line
between Mexico and California in order to preserve jobs in
California, promote energy independence, and uphold California's
labor and environmental laws.
   Fiscal committee: no.



   WHEREAS, Cross-border transmission lines between California and
Mexico would facilitate the exportation of American jobs by enabling
energy companies to import electricity into the United States instead
of building energy projects here, where the energy is being used,
and thereby move our economy in the wrong direction at a time when we
should be putting Americans back to work; and
   WHEREAS, The Obama administration has emphasized the need for our
nation to reduce our dependence on imported energy because our nation'
s economic future and security depend on developing energy
infrastructure within our own borders; and
   WHEREAS, A core component of President Obama's electoral campaign
was his commitment to a green energy economy, which would usher in a
period of environmental advancement and economic prosperity; and
   WHEREAS, Constructing cross-border transmission lines would
undermine the President's vision by enabling energy companies to
deliver electricity to the United States from foreign facilities not
built to American labor or environmental standards; and
   WHEREAS, If we are to reclaim America's middle class, our nation
must eliminate opportunities for corporations to export jobs, exploit
workers, or raid natural resources; now, therefore be it
   Resolved by the Senate and the Assembly of the State of
California, jointly, That the Legislature, to preserve jobs in
California, promote energy independence, and uphold California's
exemplary labor and environmental laws, calls upon the Secretary of
the United States Department of Energy to reject Sempra Energy's
application for a Presidential permit to construct the Energía Sierra
Juárez cross-border transmission line between Mexico and San Diego
County, California; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of
this resolution to the President and Vice President of the United
States, to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to the
Majority Leader of the Senate, and to each Senator and Representative
from California in the Congress of the United States, to the Chair
of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, to the Chair
of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, to the Secretary of the
United States Department of Labor, and to the Secretary of the United
States Department of Energy.