BILL ANALYSIS �
AB 2161
Page 1
Date of Hearing: April 16, 2012
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES
Wesley Chesbro, Chair
AB 2161 (Achadjian) - As Introduced: February 23, 2012
SUBJECT : Energy: renewable energy resources
SUMMARY : Adds San Luis Obispo to the list of counties eligible
to receive renewable energy planning grants from the California
Energy Commission (CEC).
EXISTING LAW requires the CEC to provide, upon appropriation by
the Legislature, up to $7 million in grants to 15 qualified
counties in the San Joaquin Valley and desert regions to revise
rules and policies, including general plans, zoning ordinances,
and conservation plans, to facilitate renewable energy
development on "disturbed lands," as defined.
FISCAL EFFECT : Unknown
COMMENTS :
In 2011, AB 13 X1 (V. Manuel Perez) expanded existing
provisions, enacted to facilitate permitting of solar energy
projects in a specified desert region, to include a broader
range of renewable energy projects in the desert and, for
specified provisions, other regions of the state. The bill also
established new provisions to support planning and permitting of
renewable energy projects in the San Joaquin Valley and desert
regions, including directing the CEC to provide grants for local
government participation, upon appropriation of funds from the
Legislature. Although major solar energy projects have been
proposed in San Luis Obispo, the county was not included in AB
13 X1's list of eligible counties.
According to the author:
AB 2161 would add San Luis Obispo County to the current
list of counties that would be deemed "qualified" to apply
for this grant funding to allow for additional
opportunities for renewable energy development?San Luis
Obispo County demonstrated its commitment to solar power by
approving two large utility scale solar projects?and by
promoting distributed and rooftop solar. However, the
AB 2161
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efficiency at which the County can process solar energy
facility (SEF) projects is hampered by outdated plans,
policies and rules. The County is motivated to update its
regulations and streamline the review process for SEF
projects. As a starting point, the County would like to
pursue customizing the California County Planning Director
Association's Solar Energy Facility (SEF) Permit
Streamlining Guide and Model SEF Ordinance for local use.
The Guide and Model SEF Ordinance were developed with
involvement from a broad, statewide coalition of
stakeholders, over 100 participants strong. The goal of
this project was to assist counties in their effort to
provide a streamlined regulatory climate for the
installation of SEF project while protecting important
farmland and sensitive habitat. The County would like to
build upon this model and facilitate more efficient
processing of these projects. Concurrent to the original
intent of ABx1 13, with its location on the Central Coast,
San Luis Obispo is in a prime location to continue and
expand on its renewable energy portfolio. When the grant
funding is appropriated through the Energy Commission's
budget, these counties, with the addition of San Luis
Obispo will be poised to act.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION :
Support
San Luis Obispo County (sponsor)
Opposition
None
Analysis Prepared by : Lawrence Lingbloom / NAT. RES. / (916)
319-2092