Advanced Energy Perspectives

This article was originally published as a guest opinion piece on Inside Bay Area.

 

California is the leader of energy innovation in the United States. This status is rooted in the state's unique assets in entrepreneurship, intellectual property and venture capital combined with policy commitments to cleaner energy and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

 

We can see signs of progress all around: wind and solar farms in the desert, electric vehicles on the highways and solar on rooftops. The state is reaping benefits of these innovations in energy efficiency savings, cleaner air, jobs and business growth. The advanced energy economy is having an impact.

 

But California is at a critical juncture. The state's commitment to energy progress is about to be tested.

Later today, the California Senate Select Committee on Energy Efficiency will hold a special hearing to consider ways to improve the various energy finance programs administered by California state agencies. Chaired by State Senator Kevin de León, the Select Committee will hear from California government officials, as well as leaders from other states and the private sector.

 

As part of AEE’s testimony to the Select Committee, we are today releasing an update to a whitepaper originally released last summer that maps the various agencies responsible for program implementation and asks whether opportunities exist to better coordinate the different programs and align the financing options around a comprehensive state energy strategy.

 

The California State Legislature adjourned last week, sending a number of bills to the Governor’s desk that are supported by AEE. Lawmakers showed their support for a variety of proposals ranging from incentives for advanced vehicles and fuels to community solar to rate reform. With three wins in California, the state legislation victories for advanced energy continue to pile up: 59 total!

“We stand at the threshold of an enormous economic opportunity,” declared Graham Richard, CEO of Advanced Energy Economy (AEE), as he opened the “Pathway to 2050” Conference in Sacramento on August 20. “We can’t wait for Washington to provide the answers. California must lead the way.”

In November 2012, California voters approved Proposition 39, which is anticipated to generate approximately $1 billion per year in corporate tax revenue, with approximately half of this revenue over the first five years dedicated to energy efficiency and advanced energy projects in schools and public buildings.