BILL ANALYSIS � 1
SENATE ENERGY, UTILITIES AND COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
ALEX PADILLA, CHAIR
AB 2161 - Achadjian Hearing
Date: June 19, 2012 A
As Introduced: February 23, 2012 FISCAL
B
2
1
6
1
DESCRIPTION
Current law requires the California Energy Commission (CEC) to
provide up to seven million dollars in grants to 15 qualified
counties for the development or revision of rules and policies,
including general plan elements, zoning ordinances, and natural
community conservation plans that facilitate the development of
eligible renewable energy resources, and their associated
electric transmission facilities, and the processing of permits
for eligible renewable energy resources. Funding is to be made
available only upon appropriation by the Legislature.
This bill adds San Luis Obispo County to the list of qualified
counties.
COMMENTS
1. Author's Purpose . 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 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projects is hampered by outdated plans, policies and rules.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 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.
2. Program Status . This program was authorized by the
Legislature in 2011 but implementation was contingent on an
appropriation by the Legislature. The Governor's proposed
budget for the 2012-13 fiscal year requested two
limited-term positions for one year to develop and
administer the grants. Grants would be issued to qualified
counties for the development or revision of rules and
policies that facilitate the development of eligible
renewable energy resources and their associated electric
transmission facilities, and the processing of permits for
eligible renewable energy resources. However due to a
delay in loan paybacks from the General Fund to the CEC and
the termination of the Public Goods Charge in 2011, it is
uncertain at this time whether there are sufficient funds
available to fund the grants.
ASSEMBLY VOTES
Assembly Floor (73-3)
Assembly Appropriations Committee (17-0)
Assembly Natural Resources Committee
(8-1)
POSITIONS
Sponsor:
San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors
Support:
None on file
Oppose:
None on file
Kellie Smith
AB 2161 Analysis
Hearing Date: June 19, 2012