BILL NUMBER: AB 1160	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Hill

                        FEBRUARY 18, 2011

   An act relating to energy.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   AB 1160, as introduced, Hill. Energy: renewable energy.
   Under existing law, the Public Utilities Commission adopted the
California Solar Initiative program that provides ratepayer funded
incentives for eligible solar energy systems.
   This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact
legislation that would create a performance-based incentive program
that rewards California-based solar companies producing specific
levels of renewable energy.
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: no.
State-mandated local program: no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  The Legislature finds and declares all of the
following:
   (a) The State of California is a world leader in efforts to reduce
global warming and greenhouse gas emissions; increase renewable
energy production; promote energy efficiency, energy conservation,
clean air, and emission controls; expend the use of low-carbon,
alternative fuels; and promote and commercialize new technologies and
industries.
   (b) The California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program (Article
16 (commencing with Section 399.11) of Chapter 2.3 of Part 1 of
Division 1 of the Public Utilities Code) requires California's retail
sellers of electricity to serve 20 percent of their load with
renewable energy by 2010.
   (c) California leads the nation with 76,442 solar projects
creating 776 megawatts of electricity.
   (d) California's high standards and ambitious goals have resulted
in California leading the nation in renewable energy innovation,
receiving more investment funding in clean technology than anywhere
else in the United States, and accounting for 44 percent of all
patents issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office in
solar technologies.
   (e) Producing electricity from renewable resources provides
multiple and significant benefits to California's environment and
economy, including improving local air quality and reducing global
warming pollution, diversifying energy supply, improving energy
security, enhancing economic development, and creating jobs.
   (f) California has the best renewable energy resource areas in the
world, providing immense potential for clean, valuable electricity
generation in the state, and the development of these resources
should be rewarded.
  SEC. 2.  It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation
that would create a performance-based incentive program that rewards
California-based solar companies that produce specific levels of
renewable energy on an annual basis.