South Coast Air Quality Management District

General Policies Related to Legislation Introduced in the First Extraordinary Session Concerning the Current Crisis in California’s Electric Utility Services Industry

SYNOPSIS: 

Governor Gray Davis recently called a special session of the Legislature to deal with the electricity and natural gas supply shortages in California. This action proposes to the Board general policies when considering legislative issues relating to the energy crisis. This action will also authorize staff to take positions on legislation which are consistent with the resolution.

COMMITTEE: 

Not Applicable

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Approve the attached resolution approving the general policies when considering legislative issues relating to energy issues and authorize staff to take positions on legislation consistent with the resolution.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

The California Legislature is currently conducting an extraordinary session concerning California’s electricity crisis. Legislative action is expected to occur on numerous bills over the next several weeks, prior to the March Legislative Committee and Board meetings. Therefore, the Legislative Committee, with concurrence of the Board Chairman, has requested that an item be placed on the February Board meeting agenda for establishment of general policy positions related to energy issues. The attached Resolution, which was not ready in time for Legislative Committee review, is to establish such general policy positions by the Board.

Specifically, the Resolution sets forth general policy statements on emission controls, emission offsets, permitting and the CEQA process, stand-by (emergency) generators, distributed generation facilities, replacement of older central power plants, and energy and environmental justice. Staff will make a brief presentation outlining the suggested policy positions in the above areas.

Proposal

Adopt the attached Resolution concerning California’s electricity crisis to set forth AQMD’s general policy positions and to provide guidance to staff in upcoming negotiations concerning pending legislation related to electricity supply/demand and air quality. Upon Board approval, in the proposed form or some modified version thereof, staff will distribute copies to legislative offices and appropriate agency staffs.

Fiscal Impact

Attachment

Resolution

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