Title
Body
MEMORANDUM
TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Rob Brown, 5th District Supervisor
DATE: August 28, 2018
SUBJECT: Consideration of recommendation to join the coalition supporting Assembly Bill (AB) 893 (E. Garcia)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This item is being submitted as an “extra” agenda item. The justification for this request to consider an item not on the posted agenda is as follows:
The need to take action came to my attention subsequent to the posting of the current agenda.
There is a need to take immediate action before the next available agenda.
I am requesting that our Board consider joining the coalition to support AB 893 that would ensure that existing geothermal and bioenergy facilities would be recontracted and that new geothermal, bioenergy and wind and solar projects that are needed to cost-effectively meet the state’s existing RPS and GHG goals are contracted by all load serving entities in a proportional and timely manner.
The attached factsheet lists several of the bill’s supporters, including RCRC. CalPine supports AB 893 as well.
AB 893 requires all load serving entities (IOUs, Munis, CCAs, ESPs), over the next 10 years, to procure a proportional share of key renewable resources that are a fraction of what will ultimately be needed to meet the state’s existing 50% renewable portfolio standard and greenhouse gas (GHG) goals.
AB 893 will help ensure that California both retains and expands its geothermal fleet as a necessary complement to intermittent renewables like solar and wind. To date, California’s renewable energy policies have not adequately supported the retention, let alone the expansion, of the state’s geothermal and bioenergy resources which provide significant local, regional and state environmental and economic benefits. AB 893 will ensure that foundational resources, like Calpine’s Geyser’s, will continue to thrive, and possibly even expand, and remain a key contributor to our people and our communities.
The legislature is set to adjourn on this Friday, August 31st, so time is of the essence. The bill is currently in the Senate, and assuming it passes, will need to go back to the Assembly for concurrence. There is no time left to submit a formal letter. However, Lake County’s support can be heard, and registered by joining the coalition and sending in our logo per the instructions in the attached form.
FISCAL IMPACT: _X_ None __Budgeted __Non-Budgeted
Estimated Cost:
Amount Budgeted:
Additional Requested:
Annual Cost (if planned for future years):
FISCAL IMPACT (Narrative): None
STAFFING IMPACT (if applicable): None
Recommended Action
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Join the coalition supporting AB 893, directing staff to complete the necessary form listing Rob Brown as our contact person.