AB 678: Energy Efficiency and Greenhouse Gas Reductions Ports Program.

Existing law establishes various programs to provide financial assistance for energy efficiency upgrades and investments. Under existing law, the State Air Resources Board has issued regulations to reduce emissions from diesel auxiliary engines on container ships, passenger ships, and refrigerated cargo ships while berthing at a California port. Existing law establishes the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund as a special fund in the State Treasury, and requires that all moneys collected by the state board from the auction or sale of specified greenhouse gas allowances, allowances be deposited in the fund and available for appropriation by the Legislature.

This bill would require the state board, in conjunction with the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, to develop and implement the Energy Efficiency and Greenhouse Gas Reductions Ports Program to fund energy efficiency upgrades and investments at public ports, as described. The bill would require a port to develop and adopt an energy plan for the port to receive funding under the program for energy-related projects. The bill would authorize the state board to expend moneys it receives from an appropriation from the fund for the purposes of the bill, as provided.