SB 1374: State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission: Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program: assessments and forecasts: integrated energy policy report.
- Session Year: 2017-2018
- House: Senate
- Latest Version Date: 2018-09-20
(1)The Warren-Alquist State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Act establishes the Energy Commission, consisting of 5 members appointed by the Governor. Existing law requires the Energy Commission, in consultation with specified state and federal agencies and at least every 2 years, to conduct assessments and forecasts of all aspects of energy industry supply, production, transportation, delivery and distribution, demand, and prices. Existing law requires the Energy Commission, in consultation with the specified entities, to adopt a biennial integrated energy policy report containing certain information in a specified format.
This bill would delete the California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority from the list of specified entities with which the Energy Commission is required to consult for the purposes of the assessments and forecasts described above, and would repeal a requirement that the integrated energy policy report be provided to the authority. The bill would revise the content and format of the integrated energy policy report.
(2)Existing law requires the Energy Commission to include in the integrated energy policy report an assessment of the state of the California energy technology and energy conservation industrys efforts to enter foreign markets, a description of international energy market prospects, an evaluation of the Energy Commissions export promotion activities, and recommendations for state government initiatives to foster the California energy technology and energy conservation industrys competition in world markets. Existing law requires the Governor, on or before 90 days after the receipt of the integrated energy policy report, to review the report and to report to the Legislature the Governors agreement or disagreement with the policy recommendations contained in the report.
This bill would repeal these requirements.
(3)The Natural Gas Act requires the commission, beginning November 1, 2015, and every 4 years thereafter, to identify strategies to maximize the benefits obtained from natural gas as an energy source.
This bill would make the Natural Gas Act inoperative on November 1, 2025.
(1)The Warren-Alquist State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Act establishes the Energy Commission, consisting of 5 members appointed by the Governor. Existing law requires the Energy Commission, in consultation with specified state and federal agencies and at least every 2 years, to conduct assessments and forecasts of all aspects of energy industry supply, production, transportation, delivery and distribution, demand, and prices. Existing law requires the Energy Commission, in consultation with the specified entities, to adopt a biennial integrated energy policy report containing certain information in a specified format.
This bill would delete the California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority from the list of specified entities with which the Energy Commission is required to consult for the purposes of the assessments and forecasts described above, and would repeal a requirement that the integrated energy policy report be provided to the authority. The bill would revise the content and format of the integrated energy policy report.
(2)Existing law requires the Energy Commission to include in the integrated energy policy report an assessment of the state of the California energy technology and energy conservation industrys efforts to enter foreign markets, a description of international energy market prospects, an evaluation of the Energy Commissions export promotion activities, and recommendations for state government initiatives to foster the California energy technology and energy conservation industrys competition in world markets. Existing law requires the Governor, on or before 90 days after the receipt of the integrated energy policy report, to review the report and to report to the Legislature the Governors agreement or disagreement with the policy recommendations contained in the report.
This bill would repeal these requirements.
(3)The Natural Gas Act requires the commission, beginning November 1, 2015, and every 4 years thereafter, to identify strategies to maximize the benefits obtained from natural gas as an energy source.
This bill would make the Natural Gas Act inoperative on November 1, 2025.
(1)The Warren-Alquist State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Act establishes the Energy Commission, consisting of 5 members appointed by the Governor. Existing law requires the Energy Commission to adopt rules and regulations that are necessary to carry out the act, and requires the Energy Commission to appoint an executive director, with duties prescribed by the Energy Commission. Existing law requires the Energy Commission, in consultation with specified state and federal agencies and at least every 2 years, to conduct assessments and forecasts of all aspects of energy industry supply, production, transportation, delivery and distribution, demand, and prices. Existing law requires the Energy Commission, in consultation with the specified entities, to adopt a biennial integrated energy policy report containing certain information in a specified format.
This bill would authorize the Energy Commission to delegate the authority to approve certain types of amendments to a contract, loan, or other agreement or award to the executive director by affirmative vote recorded in the minutes of the Energy Commission, unless otherwise specified or prohibited by law. The bill would delete the California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority from the list of specified entities with which the Energy Commission is required to consult for the purposes of the assessments and forecasts described above, and would repeal a requirement that the integrated energy policy report be provided to the authority. The bill would revise the content and format of the integrated energy policy report.
(3)(2)Existing law requires the Energy Commission to include in the integrated energy policy report an assessment of the state of the California energy technology and energy conservation industrys efforts to enter foreign markets, a description of international energy market prospects, an evaluation of the Energy Commissions export promotion activities, and recommendations for state government initiatives to foster the California energy technology and energy conservation industrys competition in world markets. Existing law requires the Governor, on or before 90 days after the receipt of the integrated energy policy report, to review the report and to report to the Legislature the Governors agreement or disagreement with the policy recommendations contained in the report.
This bill would repeal these requirements.
(4)(3)The Natural Gas Act requires the commission, beginning November 1, 2015, and every 4 years thereafter, to identify strategies to maximize the benefits obtained from natural gas as an energy source.
This bill would make the Natural Gas Act inoperative on November 1, 2025.
(1)Existing law establishes the California Alternative and Renewable Fuel, Vehicle Technology, Clean Air, and Carbon Reduction Act of 2007, which includes the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program, administered by the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission (Energy Commission). Existing law requires the program to provide funding measures to certain entities to develop and deploy innovative technologies that transform Californias fuel and vehicle types to help attain the states climate change policies. Existing law requires the Energy Commission to approve, at a noticed meeting of the Energy Commission, a project that receives more than $75,000 in funds. Existing law authorizes the Energy Commission to delegate to the Energy Commissions executive director the approval of a project that receives $75,000 or less or amendments to a contract, grant, loan, or other agreement or award if the amendments do not increase the amount received, change the scope of the project, or modify the purpose of the agreement.
This bill would delete the above provisions related to the required approval of projects and amendments to agreements.
(2)The Warren-Alquist State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Act establishes the Energy Commission, consisting of 5 members appointed by the Governor. Existing law requires the Energy Commission to adopt rules and regulations that are necessary to carry out the act, and requires the Energy Commission to appoint an executive director, with duties prescribed by the Energy Commission. Existing law requires the Energy Commission, in consultation with specified state and federal agencies and at least every 2 years, to conduct assessments and forecasts of all aspects of energy industry supply, production, transportation, delivery and distribution, demand, and prices. Existing law requires the Energy Commission, in consultation with the specified entities, to adopt a biennial integrated energy policy report containing certain information in a specified format.
This bill would authorize the Energy Commission to delegate any power, duty, purpose, function, or jurisdiction the authority to approve certain types of amendments to a contract, loan, or other agreement or award to the executive director by affirmative vote recorded in the minutes of the Energy Commission, unless otherwise specified or prohibited by law. The bill would delete the California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority from the list of specified entities with which the Energy Commission is required to consult for the purposes of the assessments and forecasts described above, and would repeal a requirement that the integrated energy policy report be provided to the authority. The bill would revise the content and format of the integrated energy policy report.
(3)Existing law requires the Energy Commission to include in the integrated energy policy report an assessment of the state of the California energy technology and energy conservation industrys efforts to enter foreign markets, a description of international energy market prospects, an evaluation of the Energy Commissions export promotion activities, and recommendations for state government initiatives to foster the California energy technology and energy conservation industrys competition in world markets. Existing law requires the Governor, on or before 90 days after the receipt of the integrated energy policy report, to review the report and to report to the Legislature the Governors agreement or disagreement with the policy recommendations contained in the report.
This bill would repeal these requirements.
(4)The Natural Gas Act requires the commission, beginning November 1, 2015, and every 4 years thereafter, to identify strategies to maximize the benefits obtained from natural gas as an energy source.
This bill would make the Natural Gas Act inoperative on November 1, 2025.
(1)Existing law establishes the California Alternative and Renewable Fuel, Vehicle Technology, Clean Air, and Carbon Reduction Act of 2007, which includes the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program, administered by the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission (Energy Commission). Existing law requires the program to provide funding measures to certain entities to develop and deploy innovative technologies that transform Californias fuel and vehicle types to help attain the states climate change policies. Existing law requires the Energy Commission to approve, at a noticed meeting of the Energy Commission, a project that receives more than $75,000 in funds. Existing law authorizes the Energy Commission to delegate to the Energy Commissions executive director the approval of a project that receives $75,000 or less or amendments to a contract, grant, loan, or other agreement or award if the amendments do not increase the amount received, change the scope of the project, or modify the purpose of the agreement.
This bill would delete the above provisions related to the required approval of projects and amendments to agreements.
The
(2)The Warren-Alquist State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Act establishes the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission (Energy Commission), Energy Commission, consisting of 5 members appointed by the Governor. Existing law requires the Energy Commission to adopt rules and regulations that are necessary to carry out the act, and requires the Energy Commission to appoint an executive director, with duties prescribed by the commission. Energy Commission. Existing law requires the Energy Commission, in consultation with specified state and federal agencies and at least every 2 years, to conduct assessments and forecasts, in consultation with appropriate state and federal agencies, including specified state entities, forecasts of all aspects of energy industry supply, production, transportation, delivery and distribution, demand, and prices. Existing law requires the Energy Commission Commission, in consultation with the specified entities, to adopt a biennial integrated energy policy report, in consultation with the same specified state entities, report containing certain information in specified format.
This bill would authorize the Energy Commission to delegate any power, duty, purpose, function, or jurisdiction to the executive director by affirmative vote recorded in the minutes of the Energy Commission, unless otherwise specified or prohibited by law. The bill would delete the California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority from the list of specified entities with which the Energy Commission is required to consult for the purposes of the assessments and forecasts described above, and would repeal a requirement that the integrated energy policy report be provided to the authority. The bill would revise the content and format of the integrated energy policy report.
Existing
(3)Existing law requires the Energy Commission to include in the integrated energy policy report an assessment of the state of the California energy technology and energy conservation industrys efforts to enter foreign markets, a description of international energy market prospects, an evaluation of the Energy Commissions export promotion activities, and recommendations for state government initiatives to foster the California energy technology and energy conservation industrys competition in world markets. Existing law requires the Governor, on or before 90 days after the receipt of the integrated energy policy report, to review the report and to report to the Legislature the Governors agreement or disagreement with the policy recommendations contained in the report.
This bill would repeal these requirements.
The
(4)The Natural Gas Act requires the commission, beginning November 1, 2015, and every 4 years thereafter, to identify strategies to maximize the benefits obtained from natural gas as an energy source.
This bill would make the Natural Gas Act inoperative on November 1, 2025.
The Warren-Alquist State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Act establishes the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission (Energy Commission), consisting of 5 members appointed by the Governor. Existing law requires the Energy Commission to adopt rules and regulations that are necessary to carry out the act, and requires the Energy Commission to appoint an executive director, with duties prescribed by the commission. Existing law requires the Energy Commission, at least every 2 years, to conduct assessments and forecasts, in consultation with appropriate state and federal agencies, including specified state entities, of all aspects of energy industry supply, production, transportation, delivery and distribution, demand, and prices. Existing law requires the Energy Commission to adopt a biennial integrated energy policy report, in consultation with the same specified state entities, containing certain information in specified format.
This bill would authorize the Energy Commission to delegate any power, duty, purpose, function, or jurisdiction to the executive director by affirmative vote recorded in the minutes of the Energy Commission, unless otherwise specified or prohibited by law. The bill would delete the California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority from the list of specified entities with which the Energy Commission is required to consult for these purposes, purposes of the assessments and forecasts described above, and would repeal a requirement that the integrated energy policy report be provided to the authority. The bill would revise the content and format of the integrated energy policy report.
Existing law requires the Energy Commission to include in the integrated energy policy report an assessment of the state of the California energy technology and energy conservation industrys efforts to enter foreign markets, a description of international energy market prospects, an evaluation of the Energy Commissions export promotion activities, and recommendations for state government initiatives to foster the California energy technology and energy conservation industrys competition in world markets. Existing law requires the Governor, on or before 90 days after receipt of the integrated energy policy report, to review the report and to report to the Legislature the Governors agreement or disagreement with the policy recommendations contained in the report. Existing law requires the Energy Commission to hold public hearings to identify impediments that limit procurement of biomethane and offer solutions to those impediments as part of the integrated energy policy report.
This bill would repeal these requirements.
The Natural Gas Act requires the commission, beginning November 1, 2015, and every 4 years thereafter, to identify strategies to maximize the benefits obtained from natural gas as an energy source.
This bill would make the Natural Gas Act inoperative on November 1, 2025.
The Warren-Alquist State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Act establishes the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, known as the Energy Commission, and Commission (Energy Commission), consisting of 5 members appointed by the Governor. Existing law requires the Energy Commission to adopt rules and regulations that are necessary to carry out the act, and requires the Energy Commission to appoint an executive director, with duties prescribed by the commission. Existing law requires the Energy Commission, at least every 2 years, to conduct assessments and forecasts, in consultation with appropriate state and federal agencies, including specified state entities, of all aspects of energy industry supply, production, transportation, delivery and distribution, demand, and prices, and to adopt an integrated energy policy report in consultation with the same specified state entities. prices. Existing law requires the Energy Commission to adopt a biennial integrated energy policy report, in consultation with the same specified state entities, containing certain information in specified format.
This bill would authorize the Energy Commission to delegate any power, duty, purpose, function, or jurisdiction to the executive director by affirmative vote recorded in the minutes of the Energy Commission, unless otherwise specified or prohibited by law. The bill would delete the California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority from the list of specified entities with which the Energy Commission is required to consult for these purposes, and would repeal a requirement that the report be provided to the authority. The bill would revise the content and format of the integrated energy policy report.
Existing law requires the Energy Commission to include in the integrated energy policy report an assessment of the state of the California energy technology and energy conservation industrys efforts to enter foreign markets, a description of international energy market prospects, an evaluation of the Energy Commissions export promotion activities, and recommendations for state government initiatives to foster the California energy technology and energy conservation industrys competition in world markets. Existing law requires the Governor, on or before 90 days after receipt of the integrated energy policy report, to review the report and to report to the Legislature the Governors agreement or disagreement with the policy recommendations contained in the report. Existing law requires the Energy Commission to hold public hearings to identify impediments that limit procurement of biomethane and offer solutions to those impediments as part of the integrated energy policy report.
This bill would repeal these requirements.
The Natural Gas Act requires the commission, beginning November 1, 2015, and every 4 years thereafter, to identify strategies to maximize the benefits obtained from natural gas as an energy source.
This bill would make the Natural Gas Act inoperative on November 1, 2025.
The Warren-Alquist State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Act establishes the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, known as the Energy Commission, and requires the Energy Commission, at least every 2 years, to conduct assessments and forecasts, in consultation with appropriate state and federal agencies, including specified state entities, of all aspects of energy industry supply, production, transportation, delivery and distribution, demand, and prices, and to adopt an integrated energy policy report in consultation with the same specified state entities.
This bill would delete the California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority from the list of specified entities with which the Energy Commission is required to consult for these purposes, and would repeal a requirement that the report be provided to the authority.
(a)At least every two years, the commission shall conduct assessments and forecasts of all aspects of energy industry supply, production, transportation, delivery and distribution, demand, and prices. The commission shall use these assessments and forecasts to develop and evaluate energy policies and programs that conserve resources, protect the environment, ensure energy reliability, enhance the states economy, and protect public health and safety. To perform these assessments and forecasts, the commission may require the submission of demand forecasts, resource plans, market assessments, related outlooks, individual customer historic electric or gas service usage, or both, and individual customer historic billing data, in a format and level of granularity specified by the commission from electric and natural gas utilities, transportation fuel and technology suppliers, and other market participants. These assessments and forecasts shall be done in consultation with the appropriate state and federal agencies, including, but not limited to, the Public Utilities Commission, the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission, the State Air Resources Board, the Electricity Oversight Board, the Independent System Operator, the Department of Water Resources, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Motor Vehicles. The commission shall maintain reasonable policies and procedures to protect customer information from unauthorized disclosure.
(b)In developing the assessments and forecasts prepared pursuant to subdivision (a), the commission shall do all of the following:
(1)Provide information about the performance of energy industries.
(2)Develop and maintain the analytical capability sufficient to answer inquiries about energy issues from the government, market participants, and the public.
(3)Analyze, develop, and evaluate energy policies and programs.
(4)Provide an analytical foundation for regulatory and policy decisionmaking.
(5)Facilitate efficient and reliable energy markets.
SEC. 2.Section 25302 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25302.(a)Beginning November 1, 2003, and every two years thereafter, the commission shall adopt an integrated energy policy report. This integrated report shall contain an overview of major energy trends and issues facing the state, including, but not limited to, supply, demand, pricing, reliability, efficiency, and impacts on public health and safety, the economy, resources, and the environment. The integrated energy policy report shall present policy recommendations based on an in-depth and integrated analysis of the most current and pressing energy issues facing the state. The analyses supporting this integrated energy policy report shall explicitly address interfuel and intermarket effects to provide a more informed evaluation of potential tradeoffs when developing energy policy across different markets and systems.
(b)The integrated energy policy report shall include an assessment and forecast of system reliability and the need for resource additions, efficiency, and conservation that considers all aspects of energy industries and markets that are essential for the state economy, general welfare, public health and safety, energy diversity, and protection of the environment. This assessment shall be based on the determinations made pursuant to this chapter.
(c)Beginning November 1, 2004, and every two years thereafter, the commission shall prepare an energy policy review to update analyses from the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to subdivisions (a) and (b), or to raise energy issues that have emerged since the release of the integrated energy policy report. The commission may also periodically prepare and release technical analyses and assessments of energy issues and concerns to provide timely and relevant information for the Governor, the Legislature, market participants, and the public.
(d)In the preparation of the report, the commission shall consult with the following entities: the Public Utilities Commission, the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission, the State Air Resources Board, the Electricity Oversight Board, the Independent System Operator, the Department of Water Resources, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Motor Vehicles, and any federal, state, and local agencies it deems necessary in preparation of the integrated energy policy report. To assure the collaborative development of state energy policies, these agencies shall make a good faith effort to provide data, assessment, and proposed recommendations for review by the commission.
(e)The commission shall provide the report to the Public Utilities Commission, the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission, the State Air Resources Board, the Electricity Oversight Board, the Independent System Operator, the Department of Water Resources, and the Department of Transportation. For the purpose of ensuring consistency in the underlying information that forms the foundation of energy policies and decisions affecting the state, those entities shall carry out their energy-related duties and responsibilities based upon the information and analyses contained in the report. If an entity listed in this subdivision objects to information contained in the report and has a reasonable basis for that objection, the entity shall not be required to consider that information in carrying out its energy-related duties.
(f)The commission shall make the report accessible to state, local, and federal entities and to the general public.
SEC. 3.Section 25303 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25303.(a)As part of the report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, the commission shall conduct electricity and natural gas forecasting and assessment activities, including, but not limited to, all of the following:
(1)Assessment of trends in electricity and natural gas supply and demand, and the outlook for wholesale and retail prices for commodity electricity and natural gas under current market structures and expected market conditions.
(2)Forecasts of statewide and regional electricity and natural gas demand, including annual, seasonal, and peak demand, and the factors leading to projected demand growth, including, but not limited to, projected population growth, urban development, industrial expansion and energy intensity of industries, energy demand for different building types, energy efficiency, and other factors influencing demand for electricity. With respect to long-range forecasts of the demand for natural gas, the report shall include an evaluation of average conditions, as well as best- and worst-case scenarios, and an evaluation of the impact of the increasing use of renewable resources on natural gas demand.
(3)Evaluation of the adequacy of electricity and natural gas supplies to meet forecasted demand growth. Assessment of the availability, reliability, and efficiency of the electricity and natural gas infrastructure and systems, including, but not limited to, natural gas production capability both in and out of state, natural gas interstate and intrastate pipeline capacity, storage and use, and western regional and California electricity and transmission system capacity and use.
(4)Evaluation of potential impacts of electricity and natural gas supply, demand, and infrastructure and resource additions on the electricity and natural gas systems, public health and safety, the economy, resources, and the environment.
(5)Evaluation of the potential impacts of electricity and natural gas load management efforts, including end-user response to market price signals, as a means to ensure reliable operation of electricity and natural gas systems.
(6)Evaluation of whether electricity and natural gas markets are adequately meeting public interest objectives including the provision of all of the following: economic benefits; competitive, low-cost reliable services; customer information and protection; and environmentally sensitive electricity and natural gas supplies. This evaluation may consider the extent to which California is an element within western energy markets, the existence of appropriate incentives for market participants to provide supplies and for consumers to respond to energy prices, appropriate identification of responsibilities of various market participants, and an assessment of long-term versus short-term market performance. To the extent this evaluation identifies market shortcomings, the commission shall propose market structure changes to improve performance.
(7)Identification of impending or potential problems or uncertainties in the electricity and natural gas markets, potential options and solutions, and recommendations.
(b)Commencing November 1, 2003, and every two years thereafter, to be included in the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, the commission shall assess the current status of the following:
(1)The environmental performance of the electric generation facilities of the state, to include all of the following:
(A)Generation facility efficiency.
(B)Air emission pollution control technologies in use in operating plants.
(C)The extent to which recent resource additions have, and expected resource additions are likely to, displace or reduce the operation of existing facilities, including the environmental consequences of these changes.
(2)The geographic distribution of statewide environmental, efficiency, and socioeconomic benefits and drawbacks of existing generation facilities, including, but not limited to, the impacts on natural resources including wildlife habitat, air quality, and water resources, and the relationship to demographic factors. The assessment shall describe the socioeconomic and demographic factors that existed when the facilities were constructed and the current status of these factors. In addition, the report shall include how expected or recent resource additions could change the assessment through displaced or reduced operation of existing facilities.
(c)The commission, in consultation with the Public Utilities Commission, shall make all reasonable adjustments to its energy demand forecasts conducted pursuant to Sections 25301 and 25302 to account for its findings of market conditions and existing baselines, and, in making those adjustments, may consider the results from subdivisions (b) and (d) of Section 381.2 of the Public Utilities Code.
SEC. 4.Section 25303.5 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25303.5.(a)This section shall be known, and may be cited, as the Natural Gas Act.
(b)Beginning November 1, 2015, and every four years thereafter, the commission shall, with the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, identify strategies to maximize the benefits obtained from natural gas, including biomethane for purposes of this section, as an energy source, helping the state realize the environmental and cost benefits afforded by natural gas. As part of this report, the commission, at a minimum, shall identify strategies and options for each of the following:
(1)Making the best use of natural gas as a transportation fuel, as appropriate, including for the movement of freight, vessels, mass transit, and other commercial and passenger vehicle use and identifying methods to develop natural gas refueling infrastructure.
(2)Determining the role of natural gas-fired generation as part of a resource portfolio, including, but not limited to, combined heat and power, and the impact of that role on meeting greenhouse gas targets.
(3)Taking the best advantage of natural gas as a low-emission resource, including potential zero and near-zero greenhouse gas emissions, natural gas, and biogas options, taking into account the impact on electric system operations.
(4)Optimizing the role of natural gas as a flexible and convenient end use energy source, including the efficient use of natural gas for heating, water heating, cooling, cooking, engine operation, and other end uses, and the optimization of appliances for these uses.
(5)Identifying effective methods by which the electric and natural gas industries can facilitate implementation of any of the strategies identified in this section.
(6)Determining the extent to which a long-term policy is needed to ensure adequate infrastructure and storage and developing strategies for pursuing additional infrastructure development to maintain or enhance pipeline and system reliability, including increased natural gas storage. In developing those strategies, the commission shall consider needed policies to protect against system capacity constraints, minimize system leakage and related emissions, mitigate investment risk associated with the long-term investment in infrastructure in an evolving energy market, and identify factors that could limit the ability to receive maximum benefits from natural gas as an energy resource.
(7)Determining the role that natural gas can play in the development of zero net energy buildings, as appropriate.
(8)Optimizing the methods by which the pursuit of these strategies can facilitate jobs development in the private sector, particularly in distressed areas.
(9)Optimizing the methods by which state and federal policy can facilitate any of the proposed strategies.
(10)Evaluating the incremental beneficial and adverse economic cost and environmental impacts of proposed strategies, including life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions from the production, transportation, and use of natural gas, based on authoritative, peer-reviewed, and science-based analysis or in consultation with the State Air Resources Board.
(c)In developing the strategies described in subdivision (b), the commission shall consult with the Public Utilities Commission, the State Water Resources Control Board, the Independent System Operator, the State Air Resources Board, the Department of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources, and the Department of Conservation to obtain relevant input. The report is intended to assist in establishing state policy and does not independently change any statute, regulation, or regulatory decision.
(d)This section shall become inoperative on November 1, 2025, and, as of January 1, 2026, is repealed.
SEC. 5.Section 25304 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25304.As a part of the report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, the commission shall conduct transportation forecasting and assessment activities, including, but not limited to:
(a)Assessment of trends in transportation fuels, technologies, and infrastructure supply and demand and the outlook for wholesale and retail prices for petroleum, petroleum products, and alternative transportation fuels under current market structures and expected market conditions.
(b)Forecasts of statewide and regional transportation energy demand, both annual and seasonal, and the factors leading to projected demand growth including, but not limited to, projected population growth, urban development, vehicle miles traveled, the type, class, and efficiency of personal vehicles and commercial fleets, and shifts in transportation modes.
(c)Evaluation of the sufficiency of transportation fuel supplies, technologies, and infrastructure to meet projected transportation demand growth. Assessment of crude oil and other transportation fuel feedstock supplies; in-state, national, and worldwide production and refining capacity; product output storage availability; and transportation and distribution systems capacity and use.
(d)Assessments of the risks of supply disruptions, price shocks, or other events and the consequences of these events on the availability and price of transportation fuels and effects on the states economy.
(e)Evaluation of the potential for needed changes in the states energy shortage contingency plans to increase production and productivity, improve efficiency of fuel use, increase conservation of resources, and other actions to maintain sufficient, secure, and affordable transportation fuel supplies for the state.
(f)Evaluation of alternative transportation energy scenarios, in the context of least environmental and economic costs, to examine potential effects of alternative fuels usage, vehicle efficiency improvements, and shifts in transportation modes on public health and safety, the economy, resources, the environment, and energy security.
(g)Examination of the success of the introduction, prices, and availability of advanced transportation technologies, low- or zero-emission vehicles, and clean-burning transportation fuels, including their potential future contributions to air quality, energy security, and other public interest benefits.
(h)Recommendations to improve the efficiency of transportation energy use, reduce dependence on petroleum fuels, decrease environmental impacts from transportation energy use, and contribute to reducing congestion, promoting economic development, and enhancing energy diversity and security.
SEC. 6.Section 25305.5 of the Public Resources Code is repealed.SEC. 7.Section 25307 of the Public Resources Code is repealed.SEC. 8.Section 25401.2 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25401.2.(a)As part of the report required by Section 25302, the commission shall develop and update an inventory of current and potential cost-effective opportunities in each utilitys service territory to improve efficiencies and to help utilities manage loads in all sectors of natural gas and electricity use. The report shall include estimates of the overall magnitude of these resources, load shapes, and the projected costs associated with delivering the various types of energy savings that are identified in the inventory. The report shall also estimate the amount and incremental cost per unit of potential energy efficiency and load management activities. Where applicable, the inventory shall include data on variations in savings and costs associated with particular measures. The report shall take into consideration environmental benefits as developed in related commission and Public Utilities Commission proceedings.
(b)The commission shall develop and maintain the inventory in consultation with electric and gas utilities, the Public Utilities Commission, academic institutions, and other interested parties.
(a)At least every two years, the commission shall conduct assessments and forecasts of all aspects of energy industry supply, production, transportation, delivery and distribution, demand, and prices. The commission shall use these assessments and forecasts to develop and evaluate energy policies and programs that conserve resources, protect the environment, ensure energy reliability, enhance the states economy, and protect public health and safety. To perform these assessments and forecasts, the commission may require the submission of demand forecasts, resource plans, market assessments, related outlooks, individual customer historic electric or gas service usage, or both, and individual customer historic billing data, in a format and level of granularity specified by the commission from electric and natural gas utilities, transportation fuel and technology suppliers, and other market participants. These assessments and forecasts shall be done in consultation with the appropriate state and federal agencies, including, but not limited to, the Public Utilities Commission, the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission, the State Air Resources Board, the Electricity Oversight Board, the Independent System Operator, the Department of Water Resources, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Motor Vehicles. The commission shall maintain reasonable policies and procedures to protect customer information from unauthorized disclosure.
(b)In developing the assessments and forecasts prepared pursuant to subdivision (a), the commission shall do all of the following:
(1)Provide information about the performance of energy industries.
(2)Develop and maintain the analytical capability sufficient to answer inquiries about energy issues from the government, market participants, and the public.
(3)Analyze, develop, and evaluate energy policies and programs.
(4)Provide an analytical foundation for regulatory and policy decisionmaking.
(5)Facilitate efficient and reliable energy markets.
SEC. 2.Section 25302 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25302.(a)Beginning November 1, 2003, and every two years thereafter, the commission shall adopt an integrated energy policy report. This integrated report shall contain an overview of major energy trends and issues facing the state, including, but not limited to, supply, demand, pricing, reliability, efficiency, and impacts on public health and safety, the economy, resources, and the environment. The integrated energy policy report shall present policy recommendations based on an in-depth and integrated analysis of the most current and pressing energy issues facing the state. The analyses supporting this integrated energy policy report shall explicitly address interfuel and intermarket effects to provide a more informed evaluation of potential tradeoffs when developing energy policy across different markets and systems.
(b)The integrated energy policy report shall include an assessment and forecast of system reliability and the need for resource additions, efficiency, and conservation that considers all aspects of energy industries and markets that are essential for the state economy, general welfare, public health and safety, energy diversity, and protection of the environment. This assessment shall be based on the determinations made pursuant to this chapter.
(c)Beginning November 1, 2004, and every two years thereafter, the commission shall prepare an energy policy review to update analyses from the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to subdivisions (a) and (b), or to raise energy issues that have emerged since the release of the integrated energy policy report. The commission may also periodically prepare and release technical analyses and assessments of energy issues and concerns to provide timely and relevant information for the Governor, the Legislature, market participants, and the public.
(d)In the preparation of the report, the commission shall consult with the following entities: the Public Utilities Commission, the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission, the State Air Resources Board, the Electricity Oversight Board, the Independent System Operator, the Department of Water Resources, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Motor Vehicles, and any federal, state, and local agencies it deems necessary in preparation of the integrated energy policy report. To assure the collaborative development of state energy policies, these agencies shall make a good faith effort to provide data, assessment, and proposed recommendations for review by the commission.
(e)The commission shall provide the report to the Public Utilities Commission, the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission, the State Air Resources Board, the Electricity Oversight Board, the Independent System Operator, the Department of Water Resources, and the Department of Transportation. For the purpose of ensuring consistency in the underlying information that forms the foundation of energy policies and decisions affecting the state, those entities shall carry out their energy-related duties and responsibilities based upon the information and analyses contained in the report. If an entity listed in this subdivision objects to information contained in the report and has a reasonable basis for that objection, the entity shall not be required to consider that information in carrying out its energy-related duties.
(f)The commission shall make the report accessible to state, local, and federal entities and to the general public.
SEC. 3.Section 25303 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25303.(a)As part of the report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, the commission shall conduct electricity and natural gas forecasting and assessment activities, including, but not limited to, all of the following:
(1)Assessment of trends in electricity and natural gas supply and demand, and the outlook for wholesale and retail prices for commodity electricity and natural gas under current market structures and expected market conditions.
(2)Forecasts of statewide and regional electricity and natural gas demand, including annual, seasonal, and peak demand, and the factors leading to projected demand growth, including, but not limited to, projected population growth, urban development, industrial expansion and energy intensity of industries, energy demand for different building types, energy efficiency, and other factors influencing demand for electricity. With respect to long-range forecasts of the demand for natural gas, the report shall include an evaluation of average conditions, as well as best- and worst-case scenarios, and an evaluation of the impact of the increasing use of renewable resources on natural gas demand.
(3)Evaluation of the adequacy of electricity and natural gas supplies to meet forecasted demand growth. Assessment of the availability, reliability, and efficiency of the electricity and natural gas infrastructure and systems, including, but not limited to, natural gas production capability both in and out of state, natural gas interstate and intrastate pipeline capacity, storage and use, and western regional and California electricity and transmission system capacity and use.
(4)Evaluation of potential impacts of electricity and natural gas supply, demand, and infrastructure and resource additions on the electricity and natural gas systems, public health and safety, the economy, resources, and the environment.
(5)Evaluation of the potential impacts of electricity and natural gas load management efforts, including end-user response to market price signals, as a means to ensure reliable operation of electricity and natural gas systems.
(6)Evaluation of whether electricity and natural gas markets are adequately meeting public interest objectives including the provision of all of the following: economic benefits; competitive, low-cost reliable services; customer information and protection; and environmentally sensitive electricity and natural gas supplies. This evaluation may consider the extent to which California is an element within western energy markets, the existence of appropriate incentives for market participants to provide supplies and for consumers to respond to energy prices, appropriate identification of responsibilities of various market participants, and an assessment of long-term versus short-term market performance. To the extent this evaluation identifies market shortcomings, the commission shall propose market structure changes to improve performance.
(7)Identification of impending or potential problems or uncertainties in the electricity and natural gas markets, potential options and solutions, and recommendations.
(b)Commencing November 1, 2003, and every two years thereafter, to be included in the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, the commission shall assess the current status of the following:
(1)The environmental performance of the electric generation facilities of the state, to include all of the following:
(A)Generation facility efficiency.
(B)Air emission pollution control technologies in use in operating plants.
(C)The extent to which recent resource additions have, and expected resource additions are likely to, displace or reduce the operation of existing facilities, including the environmental consequences of these changes.
(2)The geographic distribution of statewide environmental, efficiency, and socioeconomic benefits and drawbacks of existing generation facilities, including, but not limited to, the impacts on natural resources including wildlife habitat, air quality, and water resources, and the relationship to demographic factors. The assessment shall describe the socioeconomic and demographic factors that existed when the facilities were constructed and the current status of these factors. In addition, the report shall include how expected or recent resource additions could change the assessment through displaced or reduced operation of existing facilities.
(c)The commission, in consultation with the Public Utilities Commission, shall make all reasonable adjustments to its energy demand forecasts conducted pursuant to Sections 25301 and 25302 to account for its findings of market conditions and existing baselines, and, in making those adjustments, may consider the results from subdivisions (b) and (d) of Section 381.2 of the Public Utilities Code.
SEC. 4.Section 25303.5 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25303.5.(a)This section shall be known, and may be cited, as the Natural Gas Act.
(b)Beginning November 1, 2015, and every four years thereafter, the commission shall, with the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, identify strategies to maximize the benefits obtained from natural gas, including biomethane for purposes of this section, as an energy source, helping the state realize the environmental and cost benefits afforded by natural gas. As part of this report, the commission, at a minimum, shall identify strategies and options for each of the following:
(1)Making the best use of natural gas as a transportation fuel, as appropriate, including for the movement of freight, vessels, mass transit, and other commercial and passenger vehicle use and identifying methods to develop natural gas refueling infrastructure.
(2)Determining the role of natural gas-fired generation as part of a resource portfolio, including, but not limited to, combined heat and power, and the impact of that role on meeting greenhouse gas targets.
(3)Taking the best advantage of natural gas as a low-emission resource, including potential zero and near-zero greenhouse gas emissions, natural gas, and biogas options, taking into account the impact on electric system operations.
(4)Optimizing the role of natural gas as a flexible and convenient end use energy source, including the efficient use of natural gas for heating, water heating, cooling, cooking, engine operation, and other end uses, and the optimization of appliances for these uses.
(5)Identifying effective methods by which the electric and natural gas industries can facilitate implementation of any of the strategies identified in this section.
(6)Determining the extent to which a long-term policy is needed to ensure adequate infrastructure and storage and developing strategies for pursuing additional infrastructure development to maintain or enhance pipeline and system reliability, including increased natural gas storage. In developing those strategies, the commission shall consider needed policies to protect against system capacity constraints, minimize system leakage and related emissions, mitigate investment risk associated with the long-term investment in infrastructure in an evolving energy market, and identify factors that could limit the ability to receive maximum benefits from natural gas as an energy resource.
(7)Determining the role that natural gas can play in the development of zero net energy buildings, as appropriate.
(8)Optimizing the methods by which the pursuit of these strategies can facilitate jobs development in the private sector, particularly in distressed areas.
(9)Optimizing the methods by which state and federal policy can facilitate any of the proposed strategies.
(10)Evaluating the incremental beneficial and adverse economic cost and environmental impacts of proposed strategies, including life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions from the production, transportation, and use of natural gas, based on authoritative, peer-reviewed, and science-based analysis or in consultation with the State Air Resources Board.
(c)In developing the strategies described in subdivision (b), the commission shall consult with the Public Utilities Commission, the State Water Resources Control Board, the Independent System Operator, the State Air Resources Board, the Department of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources, and the Department of Conservation to obtain relevant input. The report is intended to assist in establishing state policy and does not independently change any statute, regulation, or regulatory decision.
(d)This section shall become inoperative on November 1, 2025, and, as of January 1, 2026, is repealed.
SEC. 5.Section 25304 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25304.As a part of the report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, the commission shall conduct transportation forecasting and assessment activities, including, but not limited to:
(a)Assessment of trends in transportation fuels, technologies, and infrastructure supply and demand and the outlook for wholesale and retail prices for petroleum, petroleum products, and alternative transportation fuels under current market structures and expected market conditions.
(b)Forecasts of statewide and regional transportation energy demand, both annual and seasonal, and the factors leading to projected demand growth including, but not limited to, projected population growth, urban development, vehicle miles traveled, the type, class, and efficiency of personal vehicles and commercial fleets, and shifts in transportation modes.
(c)Evaluation of the sufficiency of transportation fuel supplies, technologies, and infrastructure to meet projected transportation demand growth. Assessment of crude oil and other transportation fuel feedstock supplies; in-state, national, and worldwide production and refining capacity; product output storage availability; and transportation and distribution systems capacity and use.
(d)Assessments of the risks of supply disruptions, price shocks, or other events and the consequences of these events on the availability and price of transportation fuels and effects on the states economy.
(e)Evaluation of the potential for needed changes in the states energy shortage contingency plans to increase production and productivity, improve efficiency of fuel use, increase conservation of resources, and other actions to maintain sufficient, secure, and affordable transportation fuel supplies for the state.
(f)Evaluation of alternative transportation energy scenarios, in the context of least environmental and economic costs, to examine potential effects of alternative fuels usage, vehicle efficiency improvements, and shifts in transportation modes on public health and safety, the economy, resources, the environment, and energy security.
(g)Examination of the success of the introduction, prices, and availability of advanced transportation technologies, low- or zero-emission vehicles, and clean-burning transportation fuels, including their potential future contributions to air quality, energy security, and other public interest benefits.
(h)Recommendations to improve the efficiency of transportation energy use, reduce dependence on petroleum fuels, decrease environmental impacts from transportation energy use, and contribute to reducing congestion, promoting economic development, and enhancing energy diversity and security.
SEC. 6.Section 25305.5 of the Public Resources Code is repealed.SEC. 7.Section 25307 of the Public Resources Code is repealed.SEC. 8.Section 25401.2 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25401.2.(a)As part of the report required by Section 25302, the commission shall develop and update an inventory of current and potential cost-effective opportunities in each utilitys service territory to improve efficiencies and to help utilities manage loads in all sectors of natural gas and electricity use. The report shall include estimates of the overall magnitude of these resources, load shapes, and the projected costs associated with delivering the various types of energy savings that are identified in the inventory. The report shall also estimate the amount and incremental cost per unit of potential energy efficiency and load management activities. Where applicable, the inventory shall include data on variations in savings and costs associated with particular measures. The report shall take into consideration environmental benefits as developed in related commission and Public Utilities Commission proceedings.
(b)The commission shall develop and maintain the inventory in consultation with electric and gas utilities, the Public Utilities Commission, academic institutions, and other interested parties.
(a)At least every two years, the commission shall conduct assessments and forecasts of all aspects of energy industry supply, production, transportation, delivery and distribution, demand, and prices. The commission shall use these assessments and forecasts to develop and evaluate energy policies and programs that conserve resources, protect the environment, ensure energy reliability, enhance the states economy, and protect public health and safety. To perform these assessments and forecasts, the commission may require the submission of demand forecasts, resource plans, market assessments, related outlooks, individual customer historic electric or gas service usage, or both, and individual customer historic billing data, in a format and level of granularity specified by the commission from electric and natural gas utilities, transportation fuel and technology suppliers, and other market participants. These assessments and forecasts shall be done in consultation with the appropriate state and federal agencies, including, but not limited to, the Public Utilities Commission, the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission, the State Air Resources Board, the Electricity Oversight Board, the Independent System Operator, the Department of Water Resources, the California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Motor Vehicles. The commission shall maintain reasonable policies and procedures to protect customer information from unauthorized disclosure.
(b)In developing the assessments and forecasts prepared pursuant to subdivision (a), the commission shall do all of the following:
(1)Provide information about the performance of energy industries.
(2)Develop and maintain the analytical capability sufficient to answer inquiries about energy issues from the government, market participants, and the public.
(3)Analyze, develop, and evaluate energy policies and programs.
(4)Provide an analytical foundation for regulatory and policy decisionmaking.
(5)Facilitate efficient and reliable energy markets.
SEC. 2.Section 25302 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25302.(a)Beginning November 1, 2003, and every two years thereafter, the commission shall adopt an integrated energy policy report. This integrated report shall contain an overview of major energy trends and issues facing the state, including, but not limited to, supply, demand, pricing, reliability, efficiency, and impacts on public health and safety, the economy, resources, and the environment. Energy markets and systems shall be grouped and assessed in three subsidiary volumes: The integrated energy policy report shall present policy recommendations based on an in-depth and integrated analysis of the most current and pressing energy issues facing the state. The analyses supporting this integrated energy policy report shall explicitly address interfuel and intermarket effects to provide a more informed evaluation of potential tradeoffs when developing energy policy across different markets and systems.
(1)Electricity and natural gas markets.(2)Transportation fuels, technologies, and infrastructure.(3)Public interest energy strategies.(b)The commission shall compile the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to subdivision (a) by consolidating the analyses and findings of the subsidiary volumes in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of subdivision (a). The integrated energy policy report shall present policy recommendations based on an indepth and integrated analysis of the most current and pressing energy issues facing the state. The analyses supporting this integrated energy policy report shall explicitly address interfuel and intermarket effects to provide a more informed evaluation of potential tradeoffs when developing energy policy across different markets and systems.(c)(b)The integrated energy policy report shall include an assessment and forecast of system reliability and the need for resource additions, efficiency, and conservation that considers all aspects of energy industries and markets that are essential for the state economy, general welfare, public health and safety, energy diversity, and protection of the environment. This assessment shall be based on the determinations made pursuant to this chapter.
(d)(c)Beginning November 1, 2004, and every two years thereafter, the commission shall prepare an energy policy review to update analyses from the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to subdivisions (a), (b), and (c), (a) and (b), or to raise energy issues that have emerged since the release of the integrated energy policy report. The commission may also periodically prepare and release technical analyses and assessments of energy issues and concerns to provide timely and relevant information for the Governor, the Legislature, market participants, and the public.
(e)(d)In the preparation of the report, the commission shall consult with the following entities: the Public Utilities Commission, the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission, the State Air Resources Board, the Electricity Oversight Board, the Independent System Operator, the Department of Water Resources, the California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Motor Vehicles, and any federal, state, and local agencies it deems necessary in preparation of the integrated energy policy report. To assure the collaborative development of state energy policies, these agencies shall make a good faith effort to provide data, assessment, and proposed recommendations for review by the commission.
(f)(e)The commission shall provide the report to the Public Utilities Commission, the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission, the State Air Resources Board, the Electricity Oversight Board, the Independent System Operator, the Department of Water Resources, the California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority, and the Department of Transportation. For the purpose of ensuring consistency in the underlying information that forms the foundation of energy policies and decisions affecting the state, those entities shall carry out their energy-related duties and responsibilities based upon the information and analyses contained in the report. If an entity listed in this subdivision objects to information contained in the report, report and has a reasonable basis for that objection, the entity shall not be required to consider that information in carrying out its energy-related duties.
(g)(f)The commission shall make the report accessible to state, local, and federal entities and to the general public.
SEC. 5.SEC. 3.Section 25303 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25303.(a)As part of the report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, the commission shall conduct electricity and natural gas forecasting and assessment activities, including, but not limited to, all of the following:
(1)Assessment of trends in electricity and natural gas supply and demand, and the outlook for wholesale and retail prices for commodity electricity and natural gas under current market structures and expected market conditions.
(2)Forecasts of statewide and regional electricity and natural gas demand, including annual, seasonal, and peak demand, and the factors leading to projected demand growth, including, but not limited to, projected population growth, urban development, industrial expansion and energy intensity of industries, energy demand for different building types, energy efficiency, and other factors influencing demand for electricity. With respect to long-range forecasts of the demand for natural gas, the report shall include an evaluation of average conditions, as well as best- and worst-case scenarios, and an evaluation of the impact of the increasing use of renewable resources on natural gas demand.
(3)Evaluation of the adequacy of electricity and natural gas supplies to meet forecasted demand growth. Assessment of the availability, reliability, and efficiency of the electricity and natural gas infrastructure and systems, including, but not limited to, natural gas production capability both in and out of state, natural gas interstate and intrastate pipeline capacity, storage and use, and western regional and California electricity and transmission system capacity and use.
(4)Evaluation of potential impacts of electricity and natural gas supply, demand, and infrastructure and resource additions on the electricity and natural gas systems, public health and safety, the economy, resources, and the environment.
(5)Evaluation of the potential impacts of electricity and natural gas load management efforts, including end-user response to market price signals, as a means to ensure reliable operation of electricity and natural gas systems.
(6)Evaluation of whether electricity and natural gas markets are adequately meeting public interest objectives including the provision of all of the following: economic benefits; competitive, low-cost reliable services; customer information and protection; and environmentally sensitive electricity and natural gas supplies. This evaluation may consider the extent to which California is an element within western energy markets, the existence of appropriate incentives for market participants to provide supplies and for consumers to respond to energy prices, appropriate identification of responsibilities of various market participants, and an assessment of long-term versus short-term market performance. To the extent this evaluation identifies market shortcomings, the commission shall propose market structure changes to improve performance.
(7)Identification of impending or potential problems or uncertainties in the electricity and natural gas markets, potential options and solutions, and recommendations.
(b)Commencing November 1, 2003, and every two years thereafter, to be included in the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, the commission shall assess the current status of the following:
(1)The environmental performance of the electric generation facilities of the state, to include all of the following:
(A)Generation facility efficiency.
(B)Air emission pollution control technologies in use in operating plants.
(C)The extent to which recent resource additions have, and expected resource additions are likely to, displace or reduce the operation of existing facilities, including the environmental consequences of these changes.
(2)The geographic distribution of statewide environmental, efficiency, and socioeconomic benefits and drawbacks of existing generation facilities, including, but not limited to, the impacts on natural resources including wildlife habitat, air quality, and water resources, and the relationship to demographic factors. The assessment shall describe the socioeconomic and demographic factors that existed when the facilities were constructed and the current status of these factors. In addition, the report shall include how expected or recent resource additions could change the assessment through displaced or reduced operation of existing facilities.
(c)The commission, in consultation with the Public Utilities Commission, shall make all reasonable adjustments to its energy demand forecasts conducted pursuant to Sections 25301 and 25302 to account for its findings of market conditions and existing baselines, and, in making those adjustments, may consider the results from subdivisions (b) and (d) of Section 381.2 of the Public Utilities Code.
SEC. 6.SEC. 4.Section 25303.5 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25303.5.(a)This section shall be known, and may be cited, as the Natural Gas Act.
(b)Beginning November 1, 2015, and every four years thereafter, the commission shall, with the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, identify strategies to maximize the benefits obtained from natural gas, including biomethane for purposes of this section, as an energy source, helping the state realize the environmental and cost benefits afforded by natural gas. As part of this report, the commission, at a minimum, shall identify strategies and options for each of the following:
(1)Making the best use of natural gas as a transportation fuel, as appropriate, including for the movement of freight, vessels, mass transit, and other commercial and passenger vehicle use and identifying methods to develop natural gas refueling infrastructure.
(2)Determining the role of natural gas-fired generation as part of a resource portfolio, including, but not limited to, combined heat and power, and the impact of that role on meeting greenhouse gas targets.
(3)Taking the best advantage of natural gas as a low-emission resource, including potential zero and near-zero greenhouse gas emissions, natural gas, and biogas options, taking into account the impact on electric system operations.
(4)Optimizing the role of natural gas as a flexible and convenient end use energy source, including the efficient use of natural gas for heating, water heating, cooling, cooking, engine operation, and other end uses, and the optimization of appliances for these uses.
(5)Identifying effective methods by which the electric and natural gas industries can facilitate implementation of any of the strategies identified in this section.
(6)Determining the extent to which a long-term policy is needed to ensure adequate infrastructure and storage and developing strategies for pursuing additional infrastructure development to maintain or enhance pipeline and system reliability, including increased natural gas storage. In developing those strategies, the commission shall consider needed policies to protect against system capacity constraints, minimize system leakage and related emissions, mitigate investment risk associated with the long-term investment in infrastructure in an evolving energy market, and identify factors that could limit the ability to receive maximum benefits from natural gas as an energy resource.
(7)Determining the role that natural gas can play in the development of zero net energy buildings, as appropriate.
(8)Optimizing the methods by which the pursuit of these strategies can facilitate jobs development in the private sector, particularly in distressed areas.
(9)Optimizing the methods by which state and federal policy can facilitate any of the proposed strategies.
(10)Evaluating the incremental beneficial and adverse economic cost and environmental impacts of proposed strategies, including life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions from the production, transportation, and use of natural gas, based on authoritative, peer-reviewed, and science-based analysis or in consultation with the State Air Resources Board.
(c)In developing the strategies described in subdivision (b), the commission shall consult with the Public Utilities Commission, the State Water Resources Control Board, the Independent System Operator, the State Air Resources Board, the Department of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources, and the Department of Conservation to obtain relevant input. The report is intended to assist in establishing state policy and does not independently change any statute, regulation, or regulatory decision.
(d)This section shall become inoperative on November 1, 2025, and, as of January 1, 2026, is repealed.
SEC. 7.SEC. 5.Section 25304 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25304.As a part of the report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, the commission shall conduct transportation forecasting and assessment activities, including, but not limited to:
(a)Assessment of trends in transportation fuels, technologies, and infrastructure supply and demand and the outlook for wholesale and retail prices for petroleum, petroleum products, and alternative transportation fuels under current market structures and expected market conditions.
(b)Forecasts of statewide and regional transportation energy demand, both annual and seasonal, and the factors leading to projected demand growth including, but not limited to, projected population growth, urban development, vehicle miles traveled, the type, class, and efficiency of personal vehicles and commercial fleets, and shifts in transportation modes.
(c)Evaluation of the sufficiency of transportation fuel supplies, technologies, and infrastructure to meet projected transportation demand growth. Assessment of crude oil and other transportation fuel feedstock supplies; in-state, national, and worldwide production and refining capacity; product output storage availability; and transportation and distribution systems capacity and use.
(d)Assessments of the risks of supply disruptions, price shocks, or other events and the consequences of these events on the availability and price of transportation fuels and effects on the states economy.
(e)Evaluation of the potential for needed changes in the states energy shortage contingency plans to increase production and productivity, improve efficiency of fuel use, increase conservation of resources, and other actions to maintain sufficient, secure, and affordable transportation fuel supplies for the state.
(f)Evaluation of alternative transportation energy scenarios, in the context of least environmental and economic costs, to examine potential effects of alternative fuels usage, vehicle efficiency improvements, and shifts in transportation modes on public health and safety, the economy, resources, the environment, and energy security.
(g)Examination of the success of the introduction, prices, and availability of advanced transportation technologies, low- or zero-emission vehicles, and clean-burning transportation fuels, including their potential future contributions to air quality, energy security, and other public interest benefits.
(h)Recommendations to improve the efficiency of transportation energy use, reduce dependence on petroleum fuels, decrease environmental impacts from transportation energy use, and contribute to reducing congestion, promoting economic development, and enhancing energy diversity and security.
SEC. 8.SEC. 6.Section 25305.5 of the Public Resources Code is repealed.SEC. 9.SEC. 7.Section 25307 of the Public Resources Code is repealed.SEC. 10.SEC. 8.Section 25401.2 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25401.2.(a)As part of the report required by Section 25302, the commission shall develop and update an inventory of current and potential cost-effective opportunities in each utilitys service territory to improve efficiencies and to help utilities manage loads in all sectors of natural gas and electricity use. The report shall include estimates of the overall magnitude of these resources, load shapes, and the projected costs associated with delivering the various types of energy savings that are identified in the inventory. The report shall also estimate the amount and incremental cost per unit of potential energy efficiency and load management activities. Where applicable, the inventory shall include data on variations in savings and costs associated with particular measures. The report shall take into consideration environmental benefits as developed in related commission and public utilities commission Public Utilities Commission proceedings.
(b)The commission shall develop and maintain the inventory in consultation with electric and gas utilities, the Public Utilities Commission, academic institutions, and other interested parties.
(a)The Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program is hereby created. The program shall be administered by the commission. The commission shall implement the program by regulation pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. The program shall provide, upon appropriation by the Legislature, competitive grants, revolving loans, loan guarantees, loans, or other appropriate funding measures to public agencies, vehicle and technology entities, businesses and projects, public-private partnerships, workforce training partnerships and collaboratives, fleet owners, consumers, recreational boaters, and academic institutions to develop and deploy innovative technologies that transform Californias fuel and vehicle types to help attain the states climate change policies. The emphasis of this program shall be to develop and deploy technology and alternative and renewable fuels in the marketplace, without adopting any one preferred fuel or technology.
(b)The commission shall provide preferences to those projects that maximize the goals of the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program, based on the following criteria, as applicable:
(1)The projects ability to provide a measurable transition from the nearly exclusive use of petroleum fuels to a diverse portfolio of viable alternative fuels that meet petroleum reduction and alternative fuel use goals.
(2)The projects consistency with existing and future state climate change policy and low-carbon fuel standards.
(3)The projects ability to reduce criteria air pollutants and air toxics and reduce or avoid multimedia environmental impacts.
(4)The projects ability to decrease, on a life-cycle basis, the discharge of water pollutants or any other substances known to damage human health or the environment, in comparison to the production and use of California Phase 2 Reformulated Gasoline or diesel fuel produced and sold pursuant to California diesel fuel regulations set forth in Article 2 (commencing with Section 2280) of Chapter 5 of Division 3 of Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations.
(5)The project does not adversely impact the sustainability of the states natural resources, especially state and federal lands.
(6)The project provides nonstate matching funds. Costs incurred from the date a proposed award is noticed may be counted as nonstate matching funds. The commission may adopt further requirements for the purposes of this paragraph. The commission is not liable for costs incurred pursuant to this paragraph if the commission does not give final approval for the project or the proposed recipient does not meet requirements adopted by the commission pursuant to this paragraph.
(7)The project provides economic benefits for California by promoting California-based technology firms, jobs, and businesses.
(8)The project uses existing or proposed fueling infrastructure to maximize the outcome of the project.
(9)The projects ability to reduce on a life-cycle assessment greenhouse gas emissions by at least 10 percent, and higher percentages in the future, from current reformulated gasoline and diesel fuel standards established by the state board.
(10)The projects use of alternative fuel blends of at least 20 percent, and higher blend ratios in the future, with a preference for projects with higher blends.
(11)The project drives new technology advancement for vehicles, vessels, engines, and other equipment, and promotes the deployment of that technology in the marketplace.
(12)The projects ability to transition workers to, or promote employment in, the alternative and renewable fuel and vehicle technology sector.
(c)The commission shall rank applications for projects proposed for funding awards based on solicitation criteria developed in accordance with subdivision (b), and shall give additional preference to funding those projects with higher benefit-cost scores.
(d)Only the following shall be eligible for funding:
(1)Alternative and renewable fuel projects to develop and improve alternative and renewable low-carbon fuels, including electricity, ethanol, dimethyl ether, renewable diesel, natural gas, hydrogen, and biomethane, among others, and their feedstocks that have high potential for long-term or short-term commercialization, including projects that lead to sustainable feedstocks.
(2)Demonstration and deployment projects that optimize alternative and renewable fuels for existing and developing engine technologies.
(3)Projects to produce alternative and renewable low-carbon fuels in California.
(4)Projects to decrease the overall impact of an alternative and renewable fuels life-cycle carbon footprint and increase sustainability.
(5)Alternative and renewable fuel infrastructure, fueling stations, and equipment. The preference in paragraph (10) of subdivision (b) shall not apply to renewable diesel or biodiesel infrastructure, fueling stations, and equipment used solely for renewable diesel or biodiesel fuel.
(6)Projects to develop and improve light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicle technologies that provide for better fuel efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions, alternative fuel usage and storage, or emission reductions, including propulsion systems, advanced internal combustion engines with a 40 percent or better efficiency level over the current market standard, lightweight materials, intelligent transportation systems, energy storage, control systems and system integration, physical measurement and metering systems and software, development of design standards and testing and certification protocols, battery recycling and reuse, engine and fuel optimization electronic and electrified components, hybrid technology, plug-in hybrid technology, battery electric vehicle technology, fuel cell technology, and conversions of hybrid technology to plug-in technology through the installation of safety certified supplemental battery modules.
(7)Programs and projects that accelerate the commercialization of vehicles and alternative and renewable fuels including buy-down programs through near-market and market-path deployments, advanced technology warranty or replacement insurance, development of market niches, supply-chain development, and research related to the pedestrian safety impacts of vehicle technologies and alternative and renewable fuels.
(8)Programs and projects to retrofit medium- and heavy-duty onroad and nonroad vehicle fleets with technologies that create higher fuel efficiencies, including alternative and renewable fuel vehicles and technologies, idle management technology, and aerodynamic retrofits that decrease fuel consumption.
(9)Infrastructure projects that promote alternative and renewable fuel infrastructure development connected with existing fleets, public transit, and existing transportation corridors, including physical measurement or metering equipment and truck stop electrification.
(10)Workforce training programs related to the development and deployment of technologies that transform Californias fuel and vehicle types and assist the state in implementing its climate change policies, including, but not limited to, alternative and renewable fuel feedstock production and extraction; renewable fuel production, distribution, transport, and storage; high-performance and low-emission vehicle technology and high tower electronics; automotive computer systems; mass transit fleet conversion, servicing, and maintenance; and other sectors or occupations related to the purposes of this chapter, including training programs to transition dislocated workers affected by the states greenhouse gas emission policies, including those from fossil fuel sectors, or training programs for low-skilled workers to enter or continue in a career pathway that leads to middle skill, industry-recognized credentials or state-approved apprenticeship opportunities in occupations related to the purposes of this chapter.
(11)Block grants or incentive programs administered by public entities or not-for-profit technology entities for multiple projects, education and program promotion within California, and development of alternative and renewable fuel and vehicle technology centers. The commission may adopt guidelines for implementing the block grant or incentive program, which shall be approved at a noticed public meeting of the commission.
(12)Life-cycle and multimedia analyses, sustainability and environmental impact evaluations, and market, financial, and technology assessments performed by a state agency to determine the impacts of increasing the use of low-carbon transportation fuels and technologies, and to assist in the preparation of the investment plan and program implementation.
(13)A program to provide funding for homeowners who purchase a plug-in electric vehicle to offset costs associated with modifying electrical sources to include a residential plug-in electric vehicle charging station. In establishing this program, the commission shall consider funding criteria to maximize the public benefit of the program.
(e)The commission may make a single source or sole source award pursuant to this section for applied research. The same requirements set forth in Section 25620.5 of the Public Resources Code shall apply to awards made on a single source basis or a sole source basis. This subdivision does not authorize the commission to make a single source or sole source award for a project or activity other than for applied research.
(f)The commission may do all of the following:
(1)Contract with the Treasurer to expend funds through programs implemented by the Treasurer, if the expenditure is consistent with all of the requirements of this article and Article 1 (commencing with Section 44270).
(2)Contract with small business financial development corporations established by the Governors Office of Business and Economic Development to expend funds through the Small Business Loan Guarantee Program if the expenditure is consistent with all of the requirements of this article and Article 1 (commencing with Section 44270).
(3)Advance funds, pursuant to an agreement with the commission, to any of the following:
(A)A public entity.
(B)A recipient to enable it to make advance payments to a public entity that is a subrecipient of the funds and under a binding and enforceable subagreement with the recipient.
(C)An administrator of a block grant program.
(g)The commission shall collaborate with entities that have expertise in workforce development to implement the workforce development components of this section, including, but not limited to, the California Workforce Development Board, the Employment Training Panel, the Employment Development Department, and the Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
SEC. 2.Section 25217 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25217.The commission shall do all of the following:
(a)Appoint an executive director with administration and fiscal experience, who shall serve at its pleasure and whose duties and salary shall be prescribed by the commission. Unless otherwise specified or prohibited by law, the commission may delegate any power, duty, purpose, function, or jurisdiction the authority to approve amendments to a contract, grant, loan, or other agreement or award as long as the amendments do not increase the amount of the award, change the scope of the project, or modify the purpose of the agreement to the executive director by affirmative vote recorded in the minutes of the commission.
(b)Employ and prescribe the duties of other staff members as necessary to carry out the provisions of this division. Staff members of the commission may participate in all matters before the commission to the limits prescribed by the commission.
(c)Employ legal counsel who shall advise the commission and represent it in connection with legal matters and litigation before any boards and agencies of the state or federal government.
SEC. 3.Section 25301 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25301.(a)At least every two years, the commission shall conduct assessments and forecasts of all aspects of energy industry supply, production, transportation, delivery and distribution, demand, and prices. The commission shall use these assessments and forecasts to develop and evaluate energy policies and programs that conserve resources, protect the environment, ensure energy reliability, enhance the states economy, and protect public health and safety. To perform these assessments and forecasts, the commission may require the submission of demand forecasts, resource plans, market assessments, related outlooks, individual customer historic electric or gas service usage, or both, and individual customer historic billing data, in a format and level of granularity specified by the commission from electric and natural gas utilities, transportation fuel and technology suppliers, and other market participants. These assessments and forecasts shall be done in consultation with the appropriate state and federal agencies, including, but not limited to, the Public Utilities Commission, the Office of Ratepayer Advocates, the State Air Resources Board, the Electricity Oversight Board, the Independent System Operator, the Department of Water Resources, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Motor Vehicles. The commission shall maintain reasonable policies and procedures to protect customer information from unauthorized disclosure.
(b)In developing the assessments and forecasts prepared pursuant to subdivision (a), the commission shall do all of the following:
(1)Provide information about the performance of energy industries.
(2)Develop and maintain the analytical capability sufficient to answer inquiries about energy issues from the government, market participants, and the public.
(3)Analyze, develop, and evaluate energy policies and programs.
(4)Provide an analytical foundation for regulatory and policy decisionmaking.
(5)Facilitate efficient and reliable energy markets.
SEC. 4.Section 25302 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25302.(a)Beginning November 1, 2003, and every two years thereafter, the commission shall adopt an integrated energy policy report. This integrated report shall contain an overview of major energy trends and issues facing the state, including, but not limited to, supply, demand, pricing, reliability, efficiency, and impacts on public health and safety, the economy, resources, and the environment. The integrated energy policy report shall present policy recommendations based on an in-depth and integrated analysis of the most current and pressing energy issues facing the state. The analyses supporting this integrated energy policy report shall explicitly address interfuel and intermarket effects to provide a more informed evaluation of potential tradeoffs when developing energy policy across different markets and systems.
(b)The integrated energy policy report shall include an assessment and forecast of system reliability and the need for resource additions, efficiency, and conservation that considers all aspects of energy industries and markets that are essential for the state economy, general welfare, public health and safety, energy diversity, and protection of the environment. This assessment shall be based on the determinations made pursuant to this chapter.
(c)Beginning November 1, 2004, and every two years thereafter, the commission shall prepare an energy policy review to update analyses from the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to subdivisions (a) and (b) or to raise energy issues that have emerged since the release of the integrated energy policy report. The commission may also periodically prepare and release technical analyses and assessments of energy issues and concerns to provide timely and relevant information for the Governor, the Legislature, market participants, and the public.
(d)In the preparation of the report, the commission shall consult with the following entities: the Public Utilities Commission, the Office of Ratepayer Advocates, the State Air Resources Board, the Electricity Oversight Board, the Independent System Operator, the Department of Water Resources, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and any federal, state, and local agencies it deems necessary in the preparation of the integrated energy policy report. To assure the collaborative development of state energy policies, these agencies shall make a good faith effort to provide data, assessment, and proposed recommendations for review by the commission.
(e)The commission shall provide the report to the Public Utilities Commission, the Office of Ratepayer Advocates, the State Air Resources Board, the Electricity Oversight Board, the Independent System Operator, the Department of Water Resources, and the Department of Transportation. For the purpose of ensuring consistency in the underlying information that forms the foundation of energy policies and decisions affecting the state, those entities shall carry out their energy-related duties and responsibilities based upon the information and analyses contained in the report. If an entity listed in this subdivision objects to information contained in the report and has a reasonable basis for that objection, the entity shall not be required to consider that information in carrying out its energy-related duties.
(f)The commission shall make the report accessible to state, local, and federal entities and to the general public.
SEC. 5.Section 25303 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25303.(a)As part of the report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, the commission shall conduct electricity and natural gas forecasting and assessment activities, including, but not limited to, all of the following:
(1)Assessment of trends in electricity and natural gas supply and demand, and the outlook for wholesale and retail prices for commodity electricity and natural gas under current market structures and expected market conditions.
(2)Forecasts of statewide and regional electricity and natural gas demand, including annual, seasonal, and peak demand, and the factors leading to projected demand growth, including, but not limited to, projected population growth, urban development, industrial expansion and energy intensity of industries, energy demand for different building types, energy efficiency, and other factors influencing demand for electricity. With respect to long-range forecasts of the demand for natural gas, the report shall include an evaluation of average conditions, as well as best- and worst-case scenarios, and an evaluation of the impact of the increasing use of renewable resources on natural gas demand.
(3)Evaluation of the adequacy of electricity and natural gas supplies to meet forecasted demand growth. Assessment of the availability, reliability, and efficiency of the electricity and natural gas infrastructure and systems, including, but not limited to, natural gas production capability both in and out of state, natural gas interstate and intrastate pipeline capacity, storage and use, and western regional and California electricity and transmission system capacity and use.
(4)Evaluation of potential impacts of electricity and natural gas supply, demand, and infrastructure and resource additions on the electricity and natural gas systems, public health and safety, the economy, resources, and the environment.
(5)Evaluation of the potential impacts of electricity and natural gas load management efforts, including end-user response to market price signals, as a means to ensure reliable operation of electricity and natural gas systems.
(6)Evaluation of whether electricity and natural gas markets are adequately meeting public interest objectives including the provision of all of the following: economic benefits; competitive, low-cost reliable services; customer information and protection; and environmentally sensitive electricity and natural gas supplies. This evaluation may consider the extent to which California is an element within western energy markets, the existence of appropriate incentives for market participants to provide supplies and for consumers to respond to energy prices, appropriate identification of responsibilities of various market participants, and an assessment of long-term versus short-term market performance. To the extent this evaluation identifies market shortcomings, the commission shall propose market structure changes to improve performance.
(7)Identification of impending or potential problems or uncertainties in the electricity and natural gas markets, potential options and solutions, and recommendations.
(b)Commencing November 1, 2003, and every two years thereafter, to be included in the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, the commission shall assess the current status of the following:
(1)The environmental performance of the electric generation facilities of the state, to include all of the following:
(A)Generation facility efficiency.
(B)Air emission pollution control technologies in use in operating plants.
(C)The extent to which recent resource additions have, and expected resource additions are likely to, displace or reduce the operation of existing facilities, including the environmental consequences of these changes.
(2)The geographic distribution of statewide environmental, efficiency, and socioeconomic benefits and drawbacks of existing generation facilities, including, but not limited to, the impacts on natural resources including wildlife habitat, air quality, and water resources, and the relationship to demographic factors. The assessment shall describe the socioeconomic and demographic factors that existed when the facilities were constructed and the current status of these factors. In addition, the report shall include how expected or recent resource additions could change the assessment through displaced or reduced operation of existing facilities.
(c)The commission, in consultation with the Public Utilities Commission, shall make all reasonable adjustments to its energy demand forecasts conducted pursuant to Sections 25301 and 25302 to account for its findings of market conditions and existing baselines, and, in making those adjustments, may consider the results from subdivisions (b) and (d) of Section 381.2 of the Public Utilities Code.
SEC. 6.Section 25303.5 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25303.5.(a)This section shall be known, and may be cited, as the Natural Gas Act.
(b)Beginning November 1, 2015, and every four years thereafter, the commission shall, with the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, identify strategies to maximize the benefits obtained from natural gas, including biomethane for purposes of this section, as an energy source, helping the state realize the environmental and cost benefits afforded by natural gas. As part of this report, the commission, at a minimum, shall identify strategies and options for each of the following:
(1)Making the best use of natural gas as a transportation fuel, as appropriate, including for the movement of freight, vessels, mass transit, and other commercial and passenger vehicle use and identifying methods to develop natural gas refueling infrastructure.
(2)Determining the role of natural gas-fired generation as part of a resource portfolio, including, but not limited to, combined heat and power, and the impact of that role on meeting greenhouse gas targets.
(3)Taking the best advantage of natural gas as a low-emission resource, including potential zero and near-zero greenhouse gas emissions, natural gas, and biogas options, taking into account the impact on electric system operations.
(4)Optimizing the role of natural gas as a flexible and convenient end use energy source, including the efficient use of natural gas for heating, water heating, cooling, cooking, engine operation, and other end uses, and the optimization of appliances for these uses.
(5)Identifying effective methods by which the electric and natural gas industries can facilitate implementation of any of the strategies identified in this section.
(6)Determining the extent to which a long-term policy is needed to ensure adequate infrastructure and storage and developing strategies for pursuing additional infrastructure development to maintain or enhance pipeline and system reliability, including increased natural gas storage. In developing those strategies, the commission shall consider needed policies to protect against system capacity constraints, minimize system leakage and related emissions, mitigate investment risk associated with the long-term investment in infrastructure in an evolving energy market, and identify factors that could limit the ability to receive maximum benefits from natural gas as an energy resource.
(7)Determining the role that natural gas can play in the development of zero net energy buildings, as appropriate.
(8)Optimizing the methods by which the pursuit of these strategies can facilitate jobs development in the private sector, particularly in distressed areas.
(9)Optimizing the methods by which state and federal policy can facilitate any of the proposed strategies.
(10)Evaluating the incremental beneficial and adverse economic cost and environmental impacts of proposed strategies, including life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions from the production, transportation, and use of natural gas, based on authoritative, peer-reviewed, and science-based analysis or in consultation with the State Air Resources Board.
(c)In developing the strategies described in subdivision (b), the commission shall consult with the Public Utilities Commission, the State Water Resources Control Board, the Independent System Operator, the State Air Resources Board, the Department of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources, and the Department of Conservation to obtain relevant input. The report is intended to assist in establishing state policy and does not independently change any statute, regulation, or regulatory decision.
(d)This section shall become inoperative on November 1, 2025, and, as of January 1, 2026, is repealed.
SEC. 7.Section 25304 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25304.As a part of the report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, the commission shall conduct transportation forecasting and assessment activities, including, but not limited to:
(a)Assessment of trends in transportation fuels, technologies, and infrastructure supply and demand and the outlook for wholesale and retail prices for petroleum, petroleum products, and alternative transportation fuels under current market structures and expected market conditions.
(b)Forecasts of statewide and regional transportation energy demand, both annual and seasonal, and the factors leading to projected demand growth including, but not limited to, projected population growth, urban development, vehicle miles traveled, the type, class, and efficiency of personal vehicles and commercial fleets, and shifts in transportation modes.
(c)Evaluation of the sufficiency of transportation fuel supplies, technologies, and infrastructure to meet projected transportation demand growth. Assessment of crude oil and other transportation fuel feedstock supplies; in-state, national, and worldwide production and refining capacity; product output storage availability; and transportation and distribution systems capacity and use.
(d)Assessments of the risks of supply disruptions, price shocks, or other events and the consequences of these events on the availability and price of transportation fuels and effects on the states economy.
(e)Evaluation of the potential for needed changes in the states energy shortage contingency plans to increase production and productivity, improve efficiency of fuel use, increase conservation of resources, and other actions to maintain sufficient, secure, and affordable transportation fuel supplies for the state.
(f)Evaluation of alternative transportation energy scenarios, in the context of least environmental and economic costs, to examine potential effects of alternative fuels usage, vehicle efficiency improvements, and shifts in transportation modes on public health and safety, the economy, resources, the environment, and energy security.
(g)Examination of the success of the introduction, prices, and availability of advanced transportation technologies, low- or zero-emission vehicles, and clean-burning transportation fuels, including their potential future contributions to air quality, energy security, and other public interest benefits.
(h)Recommendations to improve the efficiency of transportation energy use, reduce dependence on petroleum fuels, decrease environmental impacts from transportation energy use, and contribute to reducing congestion, promoting economic development, and enhancing energy diversity and security.
SEC. 8.Section 25305.5 of the Public Resources Code is repealed.SEC. 9.Section 25307 of the Public Resources Code is repealed.SEC. 10.Section 25401.2 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25401.2.(a)As part of the report required by Section 25302, the commission shall develop and update an inventory of current and potential cost-effective opportunities in each utilitys service territory to improve efficiencies and to help utilities manage loads in all sectors of natural gas and electricity use. The report shall include estimates of the overall magnitude of these resources, load shapes, and the projected costs associated with delivering the various types of energy savings that are identified in the inventory. The report shall also estimate the amount and incremental cost per unit of potential energy efficiency and load management activities. Where applicable, the inventory shall include data on variations in savings and costs associated with particular measures. The report shall take into consideration environmental benefits as developed in related commission and public utilities commission proceedings.
(b)The commission shall develop and maintain the inventory in consultation with electric and gas utilities, the Public Utilities Commission, academic institutions, and other interested parties.
(a)The Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program is hereby created. The program shall be administered by the commission. The commission shall implement the program by regulation pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. The program shall provide, upon appropriation by the Legislature, competitive grants, revolving loans, loan guarantees, loans, or other appropriate funding measures to public agencies, vehicle and technology entities, businesses and projects, public-private partnerships, workforce training partnerships and collaboratives, fleet owners, consumers, recreational boaters, and academic institutions to develop and deploy innovative technologies that transform Californias fuel and vehicle types to help attain the states climate change policies. The emphasis of this program shall be to develop and deploy technology and alternative and renewable fuels in the marketplace, without adopting any one preferred fuel or technology.
(b)A project that receives more than seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) in funds from the commission shall be approved at a noticed public meeting of the commission and shall be consistent with the priorities established by the investment plan adopted pursuant to Section 44272.5. Under this article, the commission may delegate to the commissions executive director, or his or her designee, the authority to approve either of the following:(1)A contract, grant, loan, or other agreement or award that receives seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) or less in funds from the commission.(2)Amendments to a contract, grant, loan, or other agreement or award as long as the amendments do not increase the amount of the award, change the scope of the project, or modify the purpose of the agreement.(c)(b)The commission shall provide preferences to those projects that maximize the goals of the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program, based on the following criteria, as applicable:
(1)The projects ability to provide a measurable transition from the nearly exclusive use of petroleum fuels to a diverse portfolio of viable alternative fuels that meet petroleum reduction and alternative fuel use goals.
(2)The projects consistency with existing and future state climate change policy and low-carbon fuel standards.
(3)The projects ability to reduce criteria air pollutants and air toxics and reduce or avoid multimedia environmental impacts.
(4)The projects ability to decrease, on a life-cycle basis, the discharge of water pollutants or any other substances known to damage human health or the environment, in comparison to the production and use of California Phase 2 Reformulated Gasoline or diesel fuel produced and sold pursuant to California diesel fuel regulations set forth in Article 2 (commencing with Section 2280) of Chapter 5 of Division 3 of Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations.
(5)The project does not adversely impact the sustainability of the states natural resources, especially state and federal lands.
(6)The project provides nonstate matching funds. Costs incurred from the date a proposed award is noticed may be counted as nonstate matching funds. The commission may adopt further requirements for the purposes of this paragraph. The commission is not liable for costs incurred pursuant to this paragraph if the commission does not give final approval for the project or the proposed recipient does not meet requirements adopted by the commission pursuant to this paragraph.
(7)The project provides economic benefits for California by promoting California-based technology firms, jobs, and businesses.
(8)The project uses existing or proposed fueling infrastructure to maximize the outcome of the project.
(9)The projects ability to reduce on a life-cycle assessment greenhouse gas emissions by at least 10 percent, and higher percentages in the future, from current reformulated gasoline and diesel fuel standards established by the state board.
(10)The projects use of alternative fuel blends of at least 20 percent, and higher blend ratios in the future, with a preference for projects with higher blends.
(11)The project drives new technology advancement for vehicles, vessels, engines, and other equipment, and promotes the deployment of that technology in the marketplace.
(12)The projects ability to transition workers to, or promote employment in, the alternative and renewable fuel and vehicle technology sector.
(d)(c)The commission shall rank applications for projects proposed for funding awards based on solicitation criteria developed in accordance with subdivision (c), (b), and shall give additional preference to funding those projects with higher benefit-cost scores.
(e)(d)Only the following shall be eligible for funding:
(1)Alternative and renewable fuel projects to develop and improve alternative and renewable low-carbon fuels, including electricity, ethanol, dimethyl ether, renewable diesel, natural gas, hydrogen, and biomethane, among others, and their feedstocks that have high potential for long-term or short-term commercialization, including projects that lead to sustainable feedstocks.
(2)Demonstration and deployment projects that optimize alternative and renewable fuels for existing and developing engine technologies.
(3)Projects to produce alternative and renewable low-carbon fuels in California.
(4)Projects to decrease the overall impact of an alternative and renewable fuels life-cycle carbon footprint and increase sustainability.
(5)Alternative and renewable fuel infrastructure, fueling stations, and equipment. The preference in paragraph (10) of subdivision (c) (b) shall not apply to renewable diesel or biodiesel infrastructure, fueling stations, and equipment used solely for renewable diesel or biodiesel fuel.
(6)Projects to develop and improve light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicle technologies that provide for better fuel efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions, alternative fuel usage and storage, or emission reductions, including propulsion systems, advanced internal combustion engines with a 40 percent or better efficiency level over the current market standard, lightweight materials, intelligent transportation systems, energy storage, control systems and system integration, physical measurement and metering systems and software, development of design standards and testing and certification protocols, battery recycling and reuse, engine and fuel optimization electronic and electrified components, hybrid technology, plug-in hybrid technology, battery electric vehicle technology, fuel cell technology, and conversions of hybrid technology to plug-in technology through the installation of safety certified supplemental battery modules.
(7)Programs and projects that accelerate the commercialization of vehicles and alternative and renewable fuels including buy-down programs through near-market and market-path deployments, advanced technology warranty or replacement insurance, development of market niches, supply-chain development, and research related to the pedestrian safety impacts of vehicle technologies and alternative and renewable fuels.
(8)Programs and projects to retrofit medium- and heavy-duty onroad and nonroad vehicle fleets with technologies that create higher fuel efficiencies, including alternative and renewable fuel vehicles and technologies, idle management technology, and aerodynamic retrofits that decrease fuel consumption.
(9)Infrastructure projects that promote alternative and renewable fuel infrastructure development connected with existing fleets, public transit, and existing transportation corridors, including physical measurement or metering equipment and truck stop electrification.
(10)Workforce training programs related to the development and deployment of technologies that transform Californias fuel and vehicle types and assist the state in implementing its climate change policies, including, but not limited to, alternative and renewable fuel feedstock production and extraction; renewable fuel production, distribution, transport, and storage; high-performance and low-emission vehicle technology and high tower electronics; automotive computer systems; mass transit fleet conversion, servicing, and maintenance; and other sectors or occupations related to the purposes of this chapter, including training programs to transition dislocated workers affected by the states greenhouse gas emission policies, including those from fossil fuel sectors, or training programs for low-skilled workers to enter or continue in a career pathway that leads to middle skill, industry-recognized credentials or state-approved apprenticeship opportunities in occupations related to the purposes of this chapter.
(11)Block grants or incentive programs administered by public entities or not-for-profit technology entities for multiple projects, education and program promotion within California, and development of alternative and renewable fuel and vehicle technology centers. The commission may adopt guidelines for implementing the block grant or incentive program, which shall be approved at a noticed public meeting of the commission.
(12)Life-cycle and multimedia analyses, sustainability and environmental impact evaluations, and market, financial, and technology assessments performed by a state agency to determine the impacts of increasing the use of low-carbon transportation fuels and technologies, and to assist in the preparation of the investment plan and program implementation.
(13)A program to provide funding for homeowners who purchase a plug-in electric vehicle to offset costs associated with modifying electrical sources to include a residential plug-in electric vehicle charging station. In establishing this program, the commission shall consider funding criteria to maximize the public benefit of the program.
(f)(e)The commission may make a single source or sole source award pursuant to this section for applied research. The same requirements set forth in Section 25620.5 of the Public Resources Code shall apply to awards made on a single source basis or a sole source basis. This subdivision does not authorize the commission to make a single source or sole source award for a project or activity other than for applied research.
(g)(f)The commission may do all of the following:
(1)Contract with the Treasurer to expend funds through programs implemented by the Treasurer, if the expenditure is consistent with all of the requirements of this article and Article 1 (commencing with Section 44270).
(2)Contract with small business financial development corporations established by the Governors Office of Business and Economic Development to expend funds through the Small Business Loan Guarantee Program if the expenditure is consistent with all of the requirements of this article and Article 1 (commencing with Section 44270).
(3)Advance funds, pursuant to an agreement with the commission, to any of the following:
(A)A public entity.
(B)A recipient to enable it to make advance payments to a public entity that is a subrecipient of the funds and under a binding and enforceable subagreement with the recipient.
(C)An administrator of a block grant program.
(h)(g)The commission shall collaborate with entities that have expertise in workforce development to implement the workforce development components of this section, including, but not limited to, the California Workforce Development Board, the Employment Training Panel, the Employment Development Department, and the Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
SECTION 1.SEC. 2.Section 25217 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25217.The commission shall do all of the following:
(a)Appoint an executive director with administration and fiscal experience, who shall serve at its pleasure and whose duties and salary shall be prescribed by the commission. Unless otherwise specified or prohibited by law, the commission may delegate any power, duty, purpose, function, or jurisdiction to the executive director by affirmative vote recorded in the minutes of the commission.
(b)Employ and prescribe the duties of other staff members as necessary to carry out the provisions of this division. Staff members of the commission may participate in all matters before the commission to the limits prescribed by the commission.
(c)Employ legal counsel who shall advise the commission and represent it in connection with legal matters and litigation before any boards and agencies of the state or federal government.
SEC. 2.SEC. 3.Section 25301 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25301.(a)At least every two years, the commission shall conduct assessments and forecasts of all aspects of energy industry supply, production, transportation, delivery and distribution, demand, and prices. The commission shall use these assessments and forecasts to develop and evaluate energy policies and programs that conserve resources, protect the environment, ensure energy reliability, enhance the states economy, and protect public health and safety. To perform these assessments and forecasts, the commission may require the submission of demand forecasts, resource plans, market assessments, related outlooks, individual customer historic electric or gas service usage, or both, and individual customer historic billing data, in a format and level of granularity specified by the commission from electric and natural gas utilities, transportation fuel and technology suppliers, and other market participants. These assessments and forecasts shall be done in consultation with the appropriate state and federal agencies, including, but not limited to, the Public Utilities Commission, the Office of Ratepayer Advocates, the State Air Resources Board, the Electricity Oversight Board, the Independent System Operator, the Department of Water Resources, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Motor Vehicles. The commission shall maintain reasonable policies and procedures to protect customer information from unauthorized disclosure.
(b)In developing the assessments and forecasts prepared pursuant to subdivision (a), the commission shall do all of the following:
(1)Provide information about the performance of energy industries.
(2)Develop and maintain the analytical capability sufficient to answer inquiries about energy issues from the government, market participants, and the public.
(3)Analyze, develop, and evaluate energy policies and programs.
(4)Provide an analytical foundation for regulatory and policy decisionmaking.
(5)Facilitate efficient and reliable energy markets.
SEC. 3.SEC. 4.Section 25302 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25302.(a)Beginning November 1, 2003, and every two years thereafter, the commission shall adopt an integrated energy policy report. This integrated report shall contain an overview of major energy trends and issues facing the state, including, but not limited to, supply, demand, pricing, reliability, efficiency, and impacts on public health and safety, the economy, resources, and the environment. The integrated energy policy report shall present policy recommendations based on an in depth in-depth and integrated analysis of the most current and pressing energy issues facing the state. The analyses supporting this integrated energy policy report shall explicitly address interfuel and intermarket effects to provide a more informed evaluation of potential tradeoffs when developing energy policy across different markets and systems.
(b)The integrated energy policy report shall include an assessment and forecast of system reliability and the need for resource additions, efficiency, and conservation that considers all aspects of energy industries and markets that are essential for the state economy, general welfare, public health and safety, energy diversity, and protection of the environment. This assessment shall be based on the determinations made pursuant to this chapter.
(c)Beginning November 1, 2004, and every two years thereafter, the commission shall prepare an energy policy review to update analyses from the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to subdivisions (a) and (b), (b) or to raise energy issues that have emerged since the release of the integrated energy policy report. The commission may also periodically prepare and release technical analyses and assessments of energy issues and concerns to provide timely and relevant information for the Governor, the Legislature, market participants, and the public.
(d)In the preparation of the report, the commission shall consult with the following entities: the Public Utilities Commission, the Office of Ratepayer Advocates, the State Air Resources Board, the Electricity Oversight Board, the Independent System Operator, the Department of Water Resources, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Motor Vehicles, and any federal, state, and local agencies it deems necessary in the preparation of the integrated energy policy report. To assure the collaborative development of state energy policies, these agencies shall make a good faith effort to provide data, assessment, and proposed recommendations for review by the commission.
(e)The commission shall provide the report to the Public Utilities Commission, the Office of Ratepayer Advocates, the State Air Resources Board, the Electricity Oversight Board, the Independent System Operator, the Department of Water Resources, and the Department of Transportation. For the purpose of ensuring consistency in the underlying information that forms the foundation of energy policies and decisions affecting the state, those entities shall carry out their energy-related duties and responsibilities based upon the information and analyses contained in the report. If an entity listed in this subdivision objects to information contained in the report, report and has a reasonable basis for that objection, the entity shall not be required to consider that information in carrying out its energy-related duties.
(f)The commission shall make the report accessible to state, local, and federal entities and to the general public.
SEC. 4.SEC. 5.Section 25303 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25303.(a)As part of the report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, the commission shall conduct electricity and natural gas forecasting and assessment activities, including, but not limited to, all of the following:
(1)Assessment of trends in electricity and natural gas supply and demand, and the outlook for wholesale and retail prices for commodity electricity and natural gas under current market structures and expected market conditions.
(2)Forecasts of statewide and regional electricity and natural gas demand demand, including annual, seasonal, and peak demand, and the factors leading to projected demand growth, including, but not limited to, projected population growth, urban development, industrial expansion and energy intensity of industries, energy demand for different building types, energy efficiency, and other factors influencing demand for electricity. With respect to long-range forecasts of the demand for natural gas, the report shall include an evaluation of average conditions, as well as best best- and worst case worst-case scenarios, and an evaluation of the impact of the increasing use of renewable resources on natural gas demand.
(3)Evaluation of the adequacy of electricity and natural gas supplies to meet forecasted demand growth. Assessment of the availability, reliability, and efficiency of the electricity and natural gas infrastructure and systems, including, but not limited to, natural gas production capability both in and out of state, natural gas interstate and intrastate pipeline capacity, storage and use, and western regional and California electricity and transmission system capacity and use.
(4)Evaluation of potential impacts of electricity and natural gas supply, demand, and infrastructure and resource additions on the electricity and natural gas systems, public health and safety, the economy, resources, and the environment.
(5)Evaluation of the potential impacts of electricity and natural gas load management efforts, including end-user response to market price signals, as a means to ensure reliable operation of electricity and natural gas systems.
(6)Evaluation of whether electricity and natural gas markets are adequately meeting public interest objectives including the provision of all of the following: economic benefits; competitive, low-cost reliable services; customer information and protection; and environmentally sensitive electricity and natural gas supplies. This evaluation may consider the extent to which California is an element within western energy markets, the existence of appropriate incentives for market participants to provide supplies and for consumers to respond to energy prices, appropriate identification of responsibilities of various market participants, and an assessment of long-term versus short-term market performance. To the extent this evaluation identifies market shortcomings, the commission shall propose market structure changes to improve performance.
(7)Identification of impending or potential problems or uncertainties in the electricity and natural gas markets, potential options and solutions, and recommendations.
(b)Commencing November 1, 2003, and every two years thereafter, to be included in the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, the commission shall assess the current status of the following:
(1)The environmental performance of the electric generation facilities of the state, to include all of the following:
(A)Generation facility efficiency.
(B)Air emission pollution control technologies in use in operating plants.
(C)The extent to which recent resource additions have, and expected resource additions are likely to, displace or reduce the operation of existing facilities, including the environmental consequences of these changes.
(2)The geographic distribution of statewide environmental, efficiency, and socioeconomic benefits and drawbacks of existing generation facilities, including, but not limited to, the impacts on natural resources including wildlife habitat, air quality, and water resources, and the relationship to demographic factors. The assessment shall describe the socioeconomic and demographic factors that existed when the facilities were constructed and the current status of these factors. In addition, the report shall include how expected or recent resource additions could change the assessment through displaced or reduced operation of existing facilities.
(c)The commission, in consultation with the Public Utilities Commission, shall make all reasonable adjustments to its energy demand forecasts conducted pursuant to Sections 25301 and 25302 to account for its findings of market conditions and existing baselines, and, in making those adjustments, may consider the results from subdivisions (b) and (d) of Section 381.2 of the Public Utilities Code.
SEC. 5.SEC. 6.Section 25303.5 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25303.5.(a)This section shall be known, and may be cited, as the Natural Gas Act.
(b)Beginning November 1, 2015, and every four years thereafter, the commission shall, with the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, identify strategies to maximize the benefits obtained from natural gas, including biomethane for purposes of this section, as an energy source, helping the state realize the environmental and cost benefits afforded by natural gas. As part of this report, the commission, at a minimum, shall identify strategies and options for each of the following:
(1)Making the best use of natural gas as a transportation fuel, as appropriate, including for the movement of freight, vessels, mass transit, and other commercial and passenger vehicle use and identifying methods to develop natural gas refueling infrastructure.
(2)Determining the role of natural gas-fired generation as part of a resource portfolio, including, but not limited to, combined heat and power, and the impact of that role on meeting greenhouse gas targets.
(3)Taking the best advantage of natural gas as a low-emission resource, including potential zero and near-zero greenhouse gas emissions, natural gas, and biogas options, taking into account the impact on electric system operations.
(4)Optimizing the role of natural gas as a flexible and convenient end use energy source, including the efficient use of natural gas for heating, water heating, cooling, cooking, engine operation, and other end uses, and the optimization of appliances for these uses.
(5) Identifying effective methods by which the electric and natural gas industries can facilitate implementation of any of the strategies identified in this section.
(6)Determining the extent to which a long-term policy is needed to ensure adequate infrastructure and storage and developing strategies for pursuing additional infrastructure development to maintain or enhance pipeline and system reliability, including increased natural gas storage. In developing those strategies, the commission shall consider needed policies to protect against system capacity constraints, minimize system leakage and related emissions, mitigate investment risk associated with the long-term investment in infrastructure in an evolving energy market, and identify factors that could limit the ability to receive maximum benefits from natural gas as an energy resource.
(7)Determining the role that natural gas can play in the development of zero net energy buildings, as appropriate.
(8)Optimizing the methods by which the pursuit of these strategies can facilitate jobs development in the private sector, particularly in distressed areas.
(9)Optimizing the methods by which state and federal policy can facilitate any of the proposed strategies.
(10)Evaluating the incremental beneficial and adverse economic cost and environmental impacts of proposed strategies, including life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions from the production, transportation, and use of natural gas, based on authoritative, peer-reviewed, and science-based analysis or in consultation with the State Air Resources Board.
(c)In developing the strategies described in subdivision (b), the commission shall consult with the Public Utilities Commission, the State Water Resources Control Board, the Independent System Operator, the State Air Resources Board, the Department of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources, and the Department of Conservation to obtain relevant input. The report is intended to assist in establishing state policy and does not independently change any statute, regulation, or regulatory decision.
(d)This section shall become inoperative on November 1, 2025, and, as of January 1, 2026, is repealed.
SEC. 6.SEC. 7.Section 25304 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25304.As a part of the report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, the commission shall conduct transportation forecasting and assessment activities, including, but not limited to:
(a)Assessment of trends in transportation fuels, technologies, and infrastructure supply and demand and the outlook for wholesale and retail prices for petroleum, petroleum products, and alternative transportation fuels under current market structures and expected market conditions.
(b)Forecasts of statewide and regional transportation energy demand, both annual and seasonal, and the factors leading to projected demand growth including, but not limited to, projected population growth, urban development, vehicle miles traveled, the type, class, and efficiency of personal vehicles and commercial fleets, and shifts in transportation modes.
(c)Evaluation of the sufficiency of transportation fuel supplies, technologies, and infrastructure to meet projected transportation demand growth. Assessment of crude oil and other transportation fuel feedstock supplies; in-state, national, and worldwide production and refining capacity; product output storage availability; and transportation and distribution systems capacity and use.
(d)Assessments of the risks of supply disruptions, price shocks, or other events and the consequences of these events on the availability and price of transportation fuels and effects on the states economy.
(e)Evaluation of the potential for needed changes in the states energy shortage contingency plans to increase production and productivity, improve efficiency of fuel use, increase conservation of resources, and other actions to maintain sufficient, secure, and affordable transportation fuel supplies for the state.
(f)Evaluation of alternative transportation energy scenarios, in the context of least environmental and economic costs, to examine potential effects of alternative fuels usage, vehicle efficiency improvements, and shifts in transportation modes on public health and safety, the economy, resources, the environment, and energy security.
(g)Examination of the success of the introduction, prices, and availability of advanced transportation technologies, low- or zero-emission vehicles, and clean-burning transportation fuels, including their potential future contributions to air quality, energy security, and other public interest benefits.
(h)Recommendations to improve the efficiency of transportation energy use, reduce dependence on petroleum fuels, decrease environmental impacts from transportation energy use, and contribute to reducing congestion, promoting economic development, and enhancing energy diversity and security.
SEC. 7.SEC. 8.Section 25305.5 of the Public Resources Code is repealed.SEC. 8.SEC. 9.Section 25307 of the Public Resources Code is repealed.SEC. 9.SEC. 10.Section 25401.2 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25401.2.(a)As part of the report required by Section 25302, the commission shall develop and update an inventory of current and potential cost-effective opportunities in each utilitys service territory, territory to improve efficiencies and to help utilities manage loads in all sectors of natural gas and electricity use. The report shall include estimates of the overall magnitude of these resources, load shapes, and the projected costs associated with delivering the various types of energy savings that are identified in the inventory. The report shall also estimate the amount and incremental cost per unit of potential energy efficiency and load management activities. Where applicable, the inventory shall include data on variations in savings and costs associated with particular measures. The report shall take into consideration environmental benefits as developed in related commission and public utilities commission proceedings.
(b)The commission shall develop and maintain the inventory in consultation with electric and gas utilities, the Public Utilities Commission, academic institutions, and other interested parties.
The commission shall do all of the following:
(a)Appoint an executive director with administration and fiscal experience, who shall serve at its pleasure and whose duties and salary shall be prescribed by the commission. Unless otherwise specified or prohibited by law, the commission may delegate any power, duty, purpose, function, or jurisdiction to the executive director by affirmative vote recorded in the minutes of the commission.
(b)Employ and prescribe the duties of other staff members as necessary to carry out the provisions of this division. Staff members of the commission may participate in all matters before the commission to the limits prescribed by the commission.
(c)Employ legal counsel who shall advise the commission and represent it in connection with legal matters and litigation before any boards and agencies of the state or federal government.
SEC. 2.Section 25301 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25301.(a)At least every two years, the commission shall conduct assessments and forecasts of all aspects of energy industry supply, production, transportation, delivery and distribution, demand, and prices. The commission shall use these assessments and forecasts to develop and evaluate energy policies and programs that conserve resources, protect the environment, ensure energy reliability, enhance the states economy, and protect public health and safety. To perform these assessments and forecasts, the commission may require submission of demand forecasts, resource plans, market assessments, related outlooks, individual customer historic electric or gas service usage, or both, and individual customer historic billing data, in a format and level of granularity specified by the commission from electric and natural gas utilities, transportation fuel and technology suppliers, and other market participants. These assessments and forecasts shall be done in consultation with the appropriate state and federal agencies, including, but not limited to, the Public Utilities Commission, the Office of Ratepayer Advocates, the State Air Resources Board, the Electricity Oversight Board, the Independent System Operator, the Department of Water Resources, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Motor Vehicles. The commission shall maintain reasonable policies and procedures to protect customer information from unauthorized disclosure.
(b)In developing the assessments and forecasts prepared pursuant to subdivision (a), the commission shall do all of the following:
(1)Provide information about the performance of energy industries.
(2)Develop and maintain the analytical capability sufficient to answer inquiries about energy issues from government, market participants, and the public.
(3)Analyze, develop, and evaluate energy policies and programs.
(4)Provide an analytical foundation for regulatory and policy decisionmaking.
(5)Facilitate efficient and reliable energy markets.
SEC. 3.Section 25302 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25302.(a)Beginning November 1, 2003, and every two years thereafter, the commission shall adopt an integrated energy policy report. This integrated report shall contain an overview of major energy trends and issues facing the state, including, but not limited to, supply, demand, pricing, reliability, efficiency, and impacts on public health and safety, the economy, resources, and the environment. The integrated energy policy report shall present policy recommendations based on an in depth and integrated analysis of the most current and pressing energy issues facing the state. The analyses supporting this integrated energy policy report shall explicitly address interfuel and intermarket effects to provide a more informed evaluation of potential tradeoffs when developing energy policy across different markets and systems.
(b)The integrated energy policy report shall include an assessment and forecast of system reliability and the need for resource additions, efficiency, and conservation that considers all aspects of energy industries and markets that are essential for the state economy, general welfare, public health and safety, energy diversity, and protection of the environment. This assessment shall be based on determinations made pursuant to this chapter.
(c)Beginning November 1, 2004, and every two years thereafter, the commission shall prepare an energy policy review to update analyses from the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to subdivisions (a) and (b), or to raise energy issues that have emerged since the release of the integrated energy policy report. The commission may also periodically prepare and release technical analyses and assessments of energy issues and concerns to provide timely and relevant information for the Governor, the Legislature, market participants, and the public.
(d)In preparation of the report, the commission shall consult with the following entities: the Public Utilities Commission, the Office of Ratepayer Advocates, the State Air Resources Board, the Electricity Oversight Board, the Independent System Operator, the Department of Water Resources, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Motor Vehicles, and any federal, state, and local agencies it deems necessary in preparation of the integrated energy policy report. To assure collaborative development of state energy policies, these agencies shall make a good faith effort to provide data, assessment, and proposed recommendations for review by the commission.
(e)The commission shall provide the report to the Public Utilities Commission, the Office of Ratepayer Advocates, the State Air Resources Board, the Electricity Oversight Board, the Independent System Operator, the Department of Water Resources, and the Department of Transportation. For the purpose of ensuring consistency in the underlying information that forms the foundation of energy policies and decisions affecting the state, those entities shall carry out their energy-related duties and responsibilities based upon the information and analyses contained in the report. If an entity listed in this subdivision objects to information contained in the report, and has a reasonable basis for that objection, the entity shall not be required to consider that information in carrying out its energy-related duties.
(f)The commission shall make the report accessible to state, local, and federal entities and to the general public.
SEC. 4.Section 25303 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25303.(a)As part of the report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, the commission shall conduct electricity and natural gas forecasting and assessment activities, including, but not limited to, all of the following:
(1)Assessment of trends in electricity and natural gas supply and demand, and the outlook for wholesale and retail prices for commodity electricity and natural gas under current market structures and expected market conditions.
(2)Forecasts of statewide and regional electricity and natural gas demand including annual, seasonal, and peak demand, and the factors leading to projected demand growth, including, but not limited to, projected population growth, urban development, industrial expansion and energy intensity of industries, energy demand for different building types, energy efficiency, and other factors influencing demand for electricity. With respect to long-range forecasts of the demand for natural gas, the report shall include an evaluation of average conditions, as well as best and worst case scenarios, and an evaluation of the impact of the increasing use of renewable resources on natural gas demand.
(3)Evaluation of the adequacy of electricity and natural gas supplies to meet forecasted demand growth. Assessment of the availability, reliability, and efficiency of the electricity and natural gas infrastructure and systems, including, but not limited to, natural gas production capability both in and out of state, natural gas interstate and intrastate pipeline capacity, storage and use, and western regional and California electricity and transmission system capacity and use.
(4)Evaluation of potential impacts of electricity and natural gas supply, demand, and infrastructure and resource additions on the electricity and natural gas systems, public health and safety, the economy, resources, and the environment.
(5)Evaluation of the potential impacts of electricity and natural gas load management efforts, including end-user response to market price signals, as a means to ensure reliable operation of electricity and natural gas systems.
(6)Evaluation of whether electricity and natural gas markets are adequately meeting public interest objectives including the provision of all of the following: economic benefits; competitive, low-cost reliable services; customer information and protection; and environmentally sensitive electricity and natural gas supplies. This evaluation may consider the extent to which California is an element within western energy markets, the existence of appropriate incentives for market participants to provide supplies and for consumers to respond to energy prices, appropriate identification of responsibilities of various market participants, and an assessment of long-term versus short-term market performance. To the extent this evaluation identifies market shortcomings, the commission shall propose market structure changes to improve performance.
(7)Identification of impending or potential problems or uncertainties in the electricity and natural gas markets, potential options and solutions, and recommendations.
(b)Commencing November 1, 2003, and every two years thereafter, to be included in the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, the commission shall assess the current status of the following:
(1)The environmental performance of the electric generation facilities of the state, to include all of the following:
(A)Generation facility efficiency.
(B)Air emission control technologies in use in operating plants.
(C)The extent to which recent resource additions have, and expected resource additions are likely to, displace or reduce the operation of existing facilities, including the environmental consequences of these changes.
(2)The geographic distribution of statewide environmental, efficiency, and socioeconomic benefits and drawbacks of existing generation facilities, including, but not limited to, the impacts on natural resources including wildlife habitat, air quality, and water resources, and the relationship to demographic factors. The assessment shall describe the socioeconomic and demographic factors that existed when the facilities were constructed and the current status of these factors. In addition, the report shall include how expected or recent resource additions could change the assessment through displaced or reduced operation of existing facilities.
(c)The commission, in consultation with the Public Utilities Commission, shall make all reasonable adjustments to its energy demand forecasts conducted pursuant to Sections 25301 and 25302 to account for its findings of market conditions and existing baselines, and, in making those adjustments, may consider the results from subdivisions (b) and (d) of Section 381.2 of the Public Utilities Code.
SEC. 5.Section 25303.5 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25303.5.(a)This section shall be known, and may be cited, as the Natural Gas Act.
(b)Beginning November 1, 2015, and every four years thereafter, the commission shall, with the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, identify strategies to maximize the benefits obtained from natural gas, including biomethane for purposes of this section, as an energy source, helping the state realize the environmental and cost benefits afforded by natural gas. As part of this report, the commission, at a minimum, shall identify strategies and options for each of the following:
(1)Making the best use of natural gas as a transportation fuel, as appropriate, including for movement of freight, vessels, mass transit, and other commercial and passenger vehicle use and identifying methods to develop natural gas refueling infrastructure.
(2)Determining the role of natural gas-fired generation as part of a resource portfolio, including, but not limited to, combined heat and power, and the impact of that role on meeting greenhouse gas targets.
(3)Taking the best advantage of natural gas as a low-emission resource, including potential zero and near-zero greenhouse gas emissions, natural gas, and biogas options, taking into account the impact on electric system operations.
(4)Optimizing the role of natural gas as a flexible and convenient end use energy source, including the efficient use of natural gas for heating, water heating, cooling, cooking, engine operation, and other end uses, and the optimization of appliances for these uses.
(5) Identifying effective methods by which the electric and natural gas industries can facilitate implementation of any of the strategies identified in this section.
(6)Determining the extent to which a long-term policy is needed to ensure adequate infrastructure and storage and developing strategies for pursuing additional infrastructure development to maintain or enhance pipeline and system reliability, including increased natural gas storage. In developing those strategies, the commission shall consider needed policies to protect against system capacity constraints, minimize system leakage and related emissions, mitigate investment risk associated with the long-term investment in infrastructure in an evolving energy market, and identify factors that could limit the ability to receive maximum benefits from natural gas as an energy resource.
(7)Determining the role that natural gas can play in the development of zero net energy buildings, as appropriate.
(8)Optimizing the methods by which the pursuit of these strategies can facilitate jobs development in the private sector, particularly in distressed areas.
(9)Optimizing the methods by which state and federal policy can facilitate any of the proposed strategies.
(10)Evaluating the incremental beneficial and adverse economic cost and environmental impacts of proposed strategies, including life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions from production, transportation, and use of natural gas, based on authoritative, peer-reviewed, and science-based analysis or in consultation with the State Air Resources Board.
(c)In developing the strategies described in subdivision (b), the commission shall consult with the Public Utilities Commission, the State Water Resources Control Board, the Independent System Operator, the State Air Resources Board, the Department of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources, and the Department of Conservation to obtain relevant input. The report is intended to assist in establishing state policy and does not independently change any statute, regulation, or regulatory decision.
(d)This section shall become inoperative on November 1, 2025, and, as of January 1, 2026, is repealed.
SEC. 6.Section 25304 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25304.As a part of the report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, the commission shall conduct transportation forecasting and assessment activities, including, but not limited to:
(a)Assessment of trends in transportation fuels, technologies, and infrastructure supply and demand and the outlook for wholesale and retail prices for petroleum, petroleum products, and alternative transportation fuels under current market structures and expected market conditions.
(b)Forecasts of statewide and regional transportation energy demand, both annual and seasonal, and the factors leading to projected demand growth including, but not limited to, projected population growth, urban development, vehicle miles traveled, the type, class, and efficiency of personal vehicles and commercial fleets, and shifts in transportation modes.
(c)Evaluation of the sufficiency of transportation fuel supplies, technologies, and infrastructure to meet projected transportation demand growth. Assessment of crude oil and other transportation fuel feedstock supplies; in-state, national, and worldwide production and refining capacity; product output storage availability; and transportation and distribution systems capacity and use.
(d)Assessments of the risks of supply disruptions, price shocks, or other events and the consequences of these events on the availability and price of transportation fuels and effects on the states economy.
(e)Evaluation of the potential for needed changes in the states energy shortage contingency plans to increase production and productivity, improve efficiency of fuel use, increase conservation of resources, and other actions to maintain sufficient, secure, and affordable transportation fuel supplies for the state.
(f)Evaluation of alternative transportation energy scenarios, in the context of least environmental and economic costs, to examine potential effects of alternative fuels usage, vehicle efficiency improvements, and shifts in transportation modes on public health and safety, the economy, resources, the environment, and energy security.
(g)Examination of the success of introduction, prices, and availability of advanced transportation technologies, low- or zero-emission vehicles, and clean-burning transportation fuels, including their potential future contributions to air quality, energy security, and other public interest benefits.
(h)Recommendations to improve the efficiency of transportation energy use, reduce dependence on petroleum fuels, decrease environmental impacts from transportation energy use, and contribute to reducing congestion, promoting economic development, and enhancing energy diversity and security.
SEC. 7.Section 25305.5 of the Public Resources Code is repealed.SEC. 8.Section 25307 of the Public Resources Code is repealed.SEC. 9.Section 25326 of the Public Resources Code is repealed.SEC. 10.SEC. 9.Section 25401.2 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25401.2.(a)As part of the report required by Section 25302, the commission shall develop and update an inventory of current and potential cost-effective opportunities in each utilitys service territory, to improve efficiencies and to help utilities manage loads in all sectors of natural gas and electricity use. The report shall include estimates of the overall magnitude of these resources, load shapes, and the projected costs associated with delivering the various types of energy savings that are identified in the inventory. The report shall also estimate the amount and incremental cost per unit of potential energy efficiency and load management activities. Where applicable, the inventory shall include data on variations in savings and costs associated with particular measures. The report shall take into consideration environmental benefits as developed in related commission and public utilities commission proceedings.
(b)The commission shall develop and maintain the inventory in consultation with electric and gas utilities, the Public Utilities Commission, academic institutions, and other interested parties.
The commission shall do all of the following:
(a)Appoint an executive director with administration and fiscal experience, who shall serve at its pleasure and whose duties and salary shall be prescribed by the commission. Unless otherwise specified or prohibited by law, the commission may delegate any power, duty, purpose, function, or jurisdiction to the executive director by affirmative vote recorded in the minutes of the commission.
(b)Employ and prescribe the duties of other staff members as necessary to carry out the provisions of this division. Staff members of the commission may participate in all matters before the commission to the limits prescribed by the commission.
(c)Employ legal counsel who shall advise the commission and represent it in connection with legal matters and litigation before any boards and agencies of the state or federal government.
SECTION 1.SEC. 2.Section 25301 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25301.(a)At least every two years, the commission shall conduct assessments and forecasts of all aspects of energy industry supply, production, transportation, delivery and distribution, demand, and prices. The commission shall use these assessments and forecasts to develop and evaluate energy policies and programs that conserve resources, protect the environment, ensure energy reliability, enhance the states economy, and protect public health and safety. To perform these assessments and forecasts, the commission may require submission of demand forecasts, resource plans, market assessments, related outlooks, individual customer historic electric or gas service usage, or both, and individual customer historic billing data, in a format and level of granularity specified by the commission from electric and natural gas utilities, transportation fuel and technology suppliers, and other market participants. These assessments and forecasts shall be done in consultation with the appropriate state and federal agencies, including, but not limited to, the Public Utilities Commission, the Office of Ratepayer Advocates, the State Air Resources Board, the Electricity Oversight Board, the Independent System Operator, the Department of Water Resources, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Motor Vehicles. The commission shall maintain reasonable policies and procedures to protect customer information from unauthorized disclosure.
(b)In developing the assessments and forecasts prepared pursuant to subdivision (a), the commission shall do all of the following:
(1)Provide information about the performance of energy industries.
(2)Develop and maintain the analytical capability sufficient to answer inquiries about energy issues from government, market participants, and the public.
(3)Analyze, develop, and evaluate energy policies and programs.
(4)Provide an analytical foundation for regulatory and policy decisionmaking.
(5)Facilitate efficient and reliable energy markets.
SEC. 2.SEC. 3.Section 25302 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25302.(a)Beginning November 1, 2003, and every two years thereafter, the commission shall adopt an integrated energy policy report. This integrated report shall contain an overview of major energy trends and issues facing the state, including, but not limited to, supply, demand, pricing, reliability, efficiency, and impacts on public health and safety, the economy, resources, and the environment. Energy markets and systems shall be grouped and assessed in three subsidiary volumes: The integrated energy policy report shall present policy recommendations based on an in depth and integrated analysis of the most current and pressing energy issues facing the state. The analyses supporting this integrated energy policy report shall explicitly address interfuel and intermarket effects to provide a more informed evaluation of potential tradeoffs when developing energy policy across different markets and systems.
(1)Electricity and natural gas markets.(2)Transportation fuels, technologies, and infrastructure.(3)Public interest energy strategies.(b)The commission shall compile the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to subdivision (a) by consolidating the analyses and findings of the subsidiary volumes in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of subdivision (a). The integrated energy policy report shall present policy recommendations based on an indepth and integrated analysis of the most current and pressing energy issues facing the state. The analyses supporting this integrated energy policy report shall explicitly address interfuel and intermarket effects to provide a more informed evaluation of potential tradeoffs when developing energy policy across different markets and systems.(c)(b)The integrated energy policy report shall include an assessment and forecast of system reliability and the need for resource additions, efficiency, and conservation that considers all aspects of energy industries and markets that are essential for the state economy, general welfare, public health and safety, energy diversity, and protection of the environment. This assessment shall be based on determinations made pursuant to this chapter.
(d)(c)Beginning November 1, 2004, and every two years thereafter, the commission shall prepare an energy policy review to update analyses from the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to subdivisions (a), (b), and (c), (a) and (b), or to raise energy issues that have emerged since the release of the integrated energy policy report. The commission may also periodically prepare and release technical analyses and assessments of energy issues and concerns to provide timely and relevant information for the Governor, the Legislature, market participants, and the public.
(e)(d)In preparation of the report, the commission shall consult with the following entities: the Public Utilities Commission, the Office of Ratepayer Advocates, the State Air Resources Board, the Electricity Oversight Board, the Independent System Operator, the Department of Water Resources, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Motor Vehicles, and any federal, state, and local agencies it deems necessary in preparation of the integrated energy policy report. To assure collaborative development of state energy policies, these agencies shall make a good faith effort to provide data, assessment, and proposed recommendations for review by the commission.
(f)(e)The commission shall provide the report to the Public Utilities Commission, the Office of Ratepayer Advocates, the State Air Resources Board, the Electricity Oversight Board, the Independent System Operator, the Department of Water Resources, and the Department of Transportation. For the purpose of ensuring consistency in the underlying information that forms the foundation of energy policies and decisions affecting the state, those entities shall carry out their energy-related duties and responsibilities based upon the information and analyses contained in the report. If an entity listed in this subdivision objects to information contained in the report, and has a reasonable basis for that objection, the entity shall not be required to consider that information in carrying out its energy-related duties.
(g)(f)The commission shall make the report accessible to state, local, and federal entities and to the general public.
SEC. 4.Section 25303 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25303.(a)The As part of the report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, the commission shall conduct electricity and natural gas forecasting and assessment activities to meet the requirements of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 25302, activities, including, but not limited to, all of the following:
(1)Assessment of trends in electricity and natural gas supply and demand, and the outlook for wholesale and retail prices for commodity electricity and natural gas under current market structures and expected market conditions.
(2)Forecasts of statewide and regional electricity and natural gas demand including annual, seasonal, and peak demand, and the factors leading to projected demand growth, including, but not limited to, projected population growth, urban development, industrial expansion and energy intensity of industries, energy demand for different building types, energy efficiency, and other factors influencing demand for electricity. With respect to long-range forecasts of the demand for natural gas, the report shall include an evaluation of average conditions, as well as best and worst case scenarios, and an evaluation of the impact of the increasing use of renewable resources on natural gas demand.
(3)Evaluation of the adequacy of electricity and natural gas supplies to meet forecasted demand growth. Assessment of the availability, reliability, and efficiency of the electricity and natural gas infrastructure and systems, including, but not limited to, natural gas production capability both in and out of state, natural gas interstate and intrastate pipeline capacity, storage and use, and western regional and California electricity and transmission system capacity and use.
(4)Evaluation of potential impacts of electricity and natural gas supply, demand, and infrastructure and resource additions on the electricity and natural gas systems, public health and safety, the economy, resources, and the environment.
(5)Evaluation of the potential impacts of electricity and natural gas load management efforts, including end-user response to market price signals, as a means to ensure reliable operation of electricity and natural gas systems.
(6)Evaluation of whether electricity and natural gas markets are adequately meeting public interest objectives including the provision of all of the following: economic benefits; competitive, low-cost reliable services; customer information and protection; and environmentally sensitive electricity and natural gas supplies. This evaluation may consider the extent to which California is an element within western energy markets, the existence of appropriate incentives for market participants to provide supplies and for consumers to respond to energy prices, appropriate identification of responsibilities of various market participants, and an assessment of long-term versus short-term market performance. To the extent this evaluation identifies market shortcomings, the commission shall propose market structure changes to improve performance.
(7)Identification of impending or potential problems or uncertainties in the electricity and natural gas markets, potential options and solutions, and recommendations.
(8)(A)Compilation and assessment of existing scientific studies that have been performed by persons or entities with expertise and qualifications in the subject of the studies to determine the potential vulnerability to a major disruption due to aging or a major seismic event of large baseload generation facilities, of 1,700 megawatts or greater.(B)The assessment specified in subparagraph (A) shall include an analysis of the impact of a major disruption on system reliability, public safety, and the economy.(C)The commission may work with other public entities and public agencies, including, but not limited to, the California Independent System Operator, the Public Utilities Commission, the Department of Conservation, and the Seismic Safety Commission as necessary, to gather and analyze the information required by this paragraph.(D)Upon completion and publication of the initial review of the information required pursuant to this paragraph, the commission shall perform subsequent updates as new data or new understanding of potential seismic hazards emerge.(b)Commencing November 1, 2003, and every two years thereafter, to be included in the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, the commission shall assess the current status of the following:
(1)The environmental performance of the electric generation facilities of the state, to include all of the following:
(A)Generation facility efficiency.
(B)Air emission control technologies in use in operating plants.
(C)The extent to which recent resource additions have, and expected resource additions are likely to, displace or reduce the operation of existing facilities, including the environmental consequences of these changes.
(2)The geographic distribution of statewide environmental, efficiency, and socioeconomic benefits and drawbacks of existing generation facilities, including, but not limited to, the impacts on natural resources including wildlife habitat, air quality, and water resources, and the relationship to demographic factors. The assessment shall describe the socioeconomic and demographic factors that existed when the facilities were constructed and the current status of these factors. In addition, the report shall include how expected or recent resource additions could change the assessment through displaced or reduced operation of existing facilities.
(c)In the absence of a long-term nuclear waste storage facility, the commission shall assess the potential state and local costs and impacts associated with accumulating waste at Californias nuclear powerplants. The commission shall further assess other key policy and planning issues that will affect the future role of nuclear powerplants in the state. The commissions assessment shall be adopted on or before November 1, 2008, and included in the 2008 energy policy review adopted pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 25302.(d)(c)The commission, in consultation with the Public Utilities Commission, shall make all reasonable adjustments to its energy demand forecasts conducted pursuant to Sections 25301 and 25302 to account for its findings of market conditions and existing baselines, and, in making those adjustments, may consider the results from subdivisions (b) and (d) of Section 381.2 of the Public Utilities Code.
SEC. 5.Section 25303.5 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25303.5.(a)This section shall be known known, and may be cited, as the Natural Gas Act.
(b)Beginning November 1, 2015, and every four years thereafter, the commission shall, with the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, identify strategies to maximize the benefits obtained from natural gas, including biomethane for purposes of this section, as an energy source, helping the state realize the environmental and cost benefits afforded by natural gas. As part of this report, the commission, at a minimum, shall identify strategies and options for each of the following:
(1)Making the best use of natural gas as a transportation fuel, as appropriate, including for movement of freight, vessels, mass transit, and other commercial and passenger vehicle use and identifying methods to develop natural gas refueling infrastructure.
(2)Determining the role of natural gas-fired generation as part of a resource portfolio, including, but not limited to, combined heat and power, and the impact of that role on meeting greenhouse gas targets.
(3)Taking the best advantage of natural gas as a low-emission resource, including potential zero and near-zero greenhouse gas emissions, natural gas, and biogas options, taking into account the impact on electric system operations.
(4)Optimizing the role of natural gas as a flexible and convenient end use energy source, including the efficient use of natural gas for heating, water heating, cooling, cooking, engine operation, and other end uses, and the optimization of appliances for these uses.
(5) Identifying effective methods by which the electric and natural gas industries can facilitate implementation of any of the strategies identified in this section.
(6)Determining the extent to which a long-term policy is needed to ensure adequate infrastructure and storage and developing strategies for pursuing additional infrastructure development to maintain or enhance pipeline and system reliability, including increased natural gas storage. In developing those strategies, the commission shall consider needed policies to protect against system capacity constraints, minimize system leakage and related emissions, mitigate investment risk associated with the long-term investment in infrastructure in an evolving energy market, and identify factors that could limit the ability to receive maximum benefits from natural gas as an energy resource.
(7)Determining the role that natural gas can play in the development of zero net energy buildings, as appropriate.
(8)Optimizing the methods by which the pursuit of these strategies can facilitate jobs development in the private sector, particularly in distressed areas.
(9)Optimizing the methods by which state and federal policy can facilitate any of the proposed strategies.
(10)Evaluating the incremental beneficial and adverse economic cost and environmental impacts of proposed strategies, including life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions from production, transportation, and use of natural gas, based on authoritative, peer-reviewed, and science-based analysis or in consultation with the State Air Resources Board.
(c)In developing the strategies described in subdivision (b), the commission shall consult with the Public Utilities Commission, the State Water Resources Control Board, the Independent System Operator, the State Air Resources Board, the Department of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources, and the Department of Conservation to obtain relevant input. The report is intended to assist in establishing state policy and does not independently change any statute, regulation, or regulatory decision.
(d)This section shall become inoperative on November 1, 2025, and, as of January 1, 2026, is repealed.
SEC. 6.Section 25304 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25304.The As a part of the report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, the commission shall conduct transportation forecasting and assessment activities to meet the requirements of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 25302 activities, including, but not limited to:
(a)Assessment of trends in transportation fuels, technologies, and infrastructure supply and demand and the outlook for wholesale and retail prices for petroleum, petroleum products, and alternative transportation fuels under current market structures and expected market conditions.
(b)Forecasts of statewide and regional transportation energy demand, both annual and seasonal, and the factors leading to projected demand growth including, but not limited to, projected population growth, urban development, vehicle miles traveled, the type, class, and efficiency of personal vehicles and commercial fleets, and shifts in transportation modes.
(c)Evaluation of the sufficiency of transportation fuel supplies, technologies, and infrastructure to meet projected transportation demand growth. Assessment of crude oil and other transportation fuel feedstock supplies; in-state, national, and worldwide production and refining capacity; product output storage availability; and transportation and distribution systems capacity and use.
(d)Assessments of the risks of supply disruptions, price shocks, or other events and the consequences of these events on the availability and price of transportation fuels and effects on the states economy.
(e)Evaluation of the potential for needed changes in the states energy shortage contingency plans to increase production and productivity, improve efficiency of fuel use, increase conservation of resources, and other actions to maintain sufficient, secure, and affordable transportation fuel supplies for the state.
(f)Evaluation of alternative transportation energy scenarios, in the context of least environmental and economic costs, to examine potential effects of alternative fuels usage, vehicle efficiency improvements, and shifts in transportation modes on public health and safety, the economy, resources, the environment, and energy security.
(g)Examination of the success of introduction, prices, and availability of advanced transportation technologies, low- or zero-emission vehicles, and clean-burning transportation fuels, including their potential future contributions to air quality, energy security, and other public interest benefits.
(h)Recommendations to improve the efficiency of transportation energy use, reduce dependence on petroleum fuels, decrease environmental impacts from transportation energy use, and contribute to reducing congestion, promoting economic development, and enhancing energy diversity and security.
SEC. 7.Section 25305.5 of the Public Resources Code is repealed.25305.5.The commission shall include in its report prepared pursuant to Sections 25301 to 25304, inclusive, a description of international energy market prospects and an evaluation of its export promotion activities, as well as an assessment of the state of the California energy technology and energy conservation industrys efforts to enter foreign markets. The report shall also include recommendations for state government initiatives to foster the California energy technology and energy conservation industrys competition in world markets.SEC. 8.Section 25307 of the Public Resources Code is repealed.25307.(a)The Governor shall review the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to Section 25302 and shall, on or before 90 days after receipt of the report, report further to the Legislature the Governors agreement or disagreement with the policy recommendations contained in that report. The Governors report to the Legislature shall cover the information required to be included in the integrated energy policy report and may cover any additional item that is necessary or appropriate. If the Governor disagrees with one or more recommendations in the integrated energy policy report, the Governor shall, in each instance, indicate the reason for disagreement and shall specify the alternate policy the Governor finds appropriate.(b)The Governors report to the Legislature pursuant to this section is the Governors official statement of energy policy.SEC. 9.Section 25326 of the Public Resources Code is repealed.25326.(a)The commission shall hold public hearings to identify impediments that limit procurement of biomethane in California, including, but not limited to, impediments to interconnection. The commission shall offer solutions to those impediments as part of the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to Section 25302.(b)For the purposes of this section, biomethane means biogas that meets the standards adopted pursuant to subdivisions (c) and (d) of Section 25421 of the Health and Safety Code for injection into a common carrier pipeline.SEC. 10.Section 25401.2 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25401.2.(a)As part of the report required by Section 25302, the commission shall develop and update an inventory of current and potential cost-effective opportunities in each utilitys service territory, to improve efficiencies and to help utilities manage loads in all sectors of natural gas and electricity use. The report shall include estimates of the overall magnitude of these resources, load shapes, and the projected costs associated with delivering the various types of energy savings that are identified in the inventory. The report shall also estimate the amount and incremental cost per unit of potential energy efficiency and load management activities. Where applicable, the inventory shall include data on variations in savings and costs associated with particular measures. The report shall take into consideration environmental benefits as developed in related commission and public utilities commission proceedings.
(b)The commission shall develop and maintain the inventory in consultation with electric and gas utilities, the Public Utilities Commission, academic institutions, and other interested parties.
(c)The commission shall convene a technical advisory group to develop an analytic framework for the inventory, to discuss the level of detail at which the inventory would operate, and to ensure that the inventory is consistent with other demand-side databases. Privately owned electric and gas utilities shall provide financial support, gather data, and provide analysis for activities that the technical advisory group recommends. The technical advisory group shall terminate on January 1, 1993.(a)At least every two years, the commission shall conduct assessments and forecasts of all aspects of energy industry supply, production, transportation, delivery and distribution, demand, and prices. The commission shall use these assessments and forecasts to develop and evaluate energy policies and programs that conserve resources, protect the environment, ensure energy reliability, enhance the states economy, and protect public health and safety. To perform these assessments and forecasts, the commission may require submission of demand forecasts, resource plans, market assessments, related outlooks, individual customer historic electric or gas service usage, or both, and individual customer historic billing data, in a format and level of granularity specified by the commission from electric and natural gas utilities, transportation fuel and technology suppliers, and other market participants. These assessments and forecasts shall be done in consultation with the appropriate state and federal agencies agencies, including, but not limited to, the Public Utilities Commission, the Office of Ratepayer Advocates, the State Air Resources Board, the Electricity Oversight Board, the Independent System Operator, the Department of Water Resources, the California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Motor Vehicles. The commission shall maintain reasonable policies and procedures to protect customer information from unauthorized disclosure.
(b)In developing the assessments and forecasts prepared pursuant to subdivision (a), the commission shall do all of the following:
(1)Provide information about the performance of energy industries.
(2)Develop and maintain the analytical capability sufficient to answer inquiries about energy issues from government, market participants, and the public.
(3)Analyze, develop, and evaluate energy policies and programs.
(4)Provide an analytical foundation for regulatory and policy decisionmaking.
(5)Facilitate efficient and reliable energy markets.
SEC. 2.Section 25302 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25302.(a)Beginning November 1, 2003, and every two years thereafter, the commission shall adopt an integrated energy policy report. This integrated report shall contain an overview of major energy trends and issues facing the state, including, but not limited to, supply, demand, pricing, reliability, efficiency, and impacts on public health and safety, the economy, resources, and the environment. Energy markets and systems shall be grouped and assessed in three subsidiary volumes:
(1)Electricity and natural gas markets.
(2)Transportation fuels, technologies, and infrastructure.
(3)Public interest energy strategies.
(b)The commission shall compile the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to subdivision (a) by consolidating the analyses and findings of the subsidiary volumes in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of subdivision (a). The integrated energy policy report shall present policy recommendations based on an indepth and integrated analysis of the most current and pressing energy issues facing the state. The analyses supporting this integrated energy policy report shall explicitly address interfuel and intermarket effects to provide a more informed evaluation of potential tradeoffs when developing energy policy across different markets and systems.
(c)The integrated energy policy report shall include an assessment and forecast of system reliability and the need for resource additions, efficiency, and conservation that considers all aspects of energy industries and markets that are essential for the state economy, general welfare, public health and safety, energy diversity, and protection of the environment. This assessment shall be based on determinations made pursuant to this chapter.
(d)Beginning November 1, 2004, and every two years thereafter, the commission shall prepare an energy policy review to update analyses from the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to subdivisions (a), (b), and (c), or to raise energy issues that have emerged since the release of the integrated energy policy report. The commission may also periodically prepare and release technical analyses and assessments of energy issues and concerns to provide timely and relevant information for the Governor, the Legislature, market participants, and the public.
(e)In preparation of the report, the commission shall consult with the following entities: the Public Utilities Commission, the Office of Ratepayer Advocates, the State Air Resources Board, the Electricity Oversight Board, the Independent System Operator, the Department of Water Resources, the California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Motor Vehicles, and any federal, state, and local agencies it deems necessary in preparation of the integrated energy policy report. To assure collaborative development of state energy policies, these agencies shall make a good faith effort to provide data, assessment, and proposed recommendations for review by the commission.
(f)The commission shall provide the report to the Public Utilities Commission, the Office of Ratepayer Advocates, the State Air Resources Board, the Electricity Oversight Board, the Independent System Operator, the Department of Water Resources, the California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority, and the Department of Transportation. For the purpose of ensuring consistency in the underlying information that forms the foundation of energy policies and decisions affecting the state, those entities shall carry out their energy-related duties and responsibilities based upon the information and analyses contained in the report. If an entity listed in this subdivision objects to information contained in the report, and has a reasonable basis for that objection, the entity shall not be required to consider that information in carrying out its energy-related duties.
(g)The commission shall make the report accessible to state, local, and federal entities and to the general public.
|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| Sep 20, 2018 | Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 611, Statutes of 2018. |
| Sep 20, 2018 | Approved by the Governor. |
| Sep 12, 2018 | Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 5 p.m. |
| Aug 31, 2018 | Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 39. Noes 0.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling. |
| Aug 31, 2018 | Ordered to special consent calendar. |
| Aug 30, 2018 | In Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending. |
| Aug 30, 2018 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. |
| Aug 16, 2018 | From consent calendar on motion of Assembly Member Quirk. |
| Aug 9, 2018 | Read second time. Ordered to consent calendar. |
| Aug 8, 2018 | From committee: Do pass. Ordered to consent calendar. (Ayes 17. Noes 0.) (August 8). |
| Aug 6, 2018 | From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Jun 27, 2018 | Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Jun 26, 2018 | From committee: Do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 10. Noes 0.) (June 25). |
| Jun 21, 2018 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on NAT. RES. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (June 20). Re-referred to Com. on NAT. RES. |
| Jun 12, 2018 | From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on U. & E. |
| Jun 11, 2018 | Referred to Coms. on U. & E. and NAT. RES. |
| May 29, 2018 | In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk. |
| May 29, 2018 | Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 38. Noes 0.) Ordered to the Assembly. |
| May 23, 2018 | Read second time. Ordered to third reading. |
| May 22, 2018 | From committee: Be ordered to second reading pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8. |
| May 15, 2018 | Set for hearing May 22. |
| May 14, 2018 | May 14 hearing postponed by committee. |
| May 4, 2018 | Set for hearing May 14. |
| Apr 30, 2018 | Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Apr 30, 2018 | Read second time and amended. Ordered to third reading. |
| Apr 26, 2018 | From committee: Do pass as amended. (Ayes 10. Noes 0.) (April 25). |
| Apr 18, 2018 | From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on E., U. & C. |
| Apr 12, 2018 | Set for hearing April 25. |
| Mar 8, 2018 | Referred to Com. on E., U. & C. |
| Feb 20, 2018 | From printer. May be acted upon on or after March 22. |
| Feb 16, 2018 | Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 31, 2018 | Unfinished Business SB1374 Hueso Concurrence | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Aug 30, 2018 | SB 1374 Hueso Senate Third Reading By QUIRK | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| Aug 8, 2018 | Do pass. To Consent Calendar. | Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Jun 25, 2018 | Do pass as amended and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] | Assembly Standing Committee on Natural Resources |
Passed |
|
| Jun 20, 2018 | Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Natural Resources] | Assembly Standing Committee on Utilities and Energy |
Passed |
|
| May 29, 2018 | Senate 3rd Reading SB1374 Hueso | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 25, 2018 | Do pass as amended | Senate Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 | SB |
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Bill No: SB 1374
:
SENATE ENERGY, U. & C. COMMITTEE: 10-0, 4/25/18
AYES: Hueso, Bradford, Cannella, Hertzberg, Hill, McGuire, Skinner, Stern, Vidak, Wiener
NO VOTE RECORDED: Morrell
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8
SENATE FLOOR: 38-0, 5/29/18
AYES: Allen, Anderson, Atkins, Bates, Beall, Bradford, Cannella, De León, Dodd, Fuller, Gaines, Galgiani, Glazer, Hernandez, Hertzberg, Hill, Hueso, Jackson, Lara, Leyva, McGuire, Mitchell, Monning, Moorlach, Morrell, Newman, Nguyen, Nielsen, Pan, Portantino, Roth, Skinner, Stern, Stone, Vidak, Wieckowski, Wiener, Wilk
NO VOTE RECORDED: Berryhill
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 80-0, 8/30/18 - See last page for vote
SUBJECT: State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission: Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program: assessments and forecasts: integrated energy policy report
DIGEST:
This bill deletes outdated reporting requirements for the integrated energy policy report (IEPR).
Assembly Amendments
delete provisions of this bill clarifying the California Energy Commission’s (CEC) ability to delegate certain tasks to its executive director.
Existing law:
- Requires the CEC to conduct assessments and forecasts of all aspects of energy industry supply, production, transportation, delivery and distribution, demand, and prices and use these assessments and forecasts to develop and evaluate energy policies and programs that conserve resources, protect the environment, ensure energy reliability, enhance the state’s economy, and protect public health and safety. (Public Resources Code §25301)
- Requires the CEC to adopt the IEPR every two years, which must contain an overview of major energy trends and issues facing the state, including, but not limited to, supply, demand, pricing, reliability, efficiency, and impacts on public health and safety, the economy, resources, and the environment. (Public Resources Code §25302)
- Establishes various contents that must be included in the IEPR and requires the CEC to make the IEPR publicly accessible. (Public Resources Code §25302 et seq.)
This bill:
- Deletes the following for the CEC’s IEPR:
- Requirements to consult with the California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority.
- Requirements to group subsidiary volumes of the IEPR into specific energy market categories.
- Requirements to report on large baseload powerplant hazard assessments.
- A one-time reporting requirement regarding nuclear waste storage.
- Requirements to report on the CEC’s energy Export Program.
- Requirements regarding the governor’s obligation to separately report on the IEPR.
- A requirement to convene a technical advisory group to develop an inventory of opportunities to manage load.
- Sunsets a requirement to include recommendations every four years for maximizing the benefits from natural gas in 2025.
Background
IEPR. Existing law requires the CEC to develop the IEPR and establishes requirements for certain reports that must be included in the IEPR. The IEPR is a comprehensive energy policy report covering many aspects of California’s energy market, including energy supply and demand forecasts. In compliance with existing law, the CEC develops a full IEPR report every two years, with an update in the years between those full reports. The CEC develops the IEPR through public workshops, which include stakeholders relevant to the topics covered by the report. A draft version of the report is publicly available for comment and the IEPR is adopted at a CEC business meeting, which is also open to the public. The final IEPR is submitted to the governor, Legislature and other stakeholders in addition to being posted on the CEC’s webpage. Between 2016 and 2018, the CEC held over 40 workshops to obtain stakeholder feedback, develop, and adopt the 2017 IEPR.
Since the statutory creation of the IEPR in 2002, legislation has increased the reports required in the IEPR; however, many outdated code sections and one-time reporting requirements have not been repealed. Additionally, some of the reporting requirements are duplicative and do not reflect current energy market trends. For example, existing law still requires the CEC to consult with the California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority when developing the IEPR; however, the Authority ceased operation in 2007. Existing law also requires the CEC to include a report on large baseload powerplant hazard assessments. However, this reporting requirement largely applies to nuclear power plants that are scheduled for closure. Existing law requires the IEPR to include a report on the CEC’s energy Export Program; however, the CEC no longer operates this program. Fuel and energy supply analyses are included in the report as part of the larger forecasting requirements. This bill also includes a sunset for an existing report to be completed every four years on recommendations for maximizing the benefits of natural gas. This sunset is consistent with efforts to ensure that long-term reporting requirements are not duplicative. Several other statutes require reporting on natural gas, including renewable natural gas. The sunset date in the bill provides the Legislature with time to consider whether the reporting requirement is needed after 2025.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:
According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, there are negligible costs to CEC, if any.
None received
OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/28/18)
None received
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to the author: “This bill is needed to clean up existing requirements for the CEC’s IEPR. These changes will ensure that energy policy reporting requirements reflect existing trends in the energy market and will support efficient energy policy planning.”
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 80-0, 8/30/18
AYES: Acosta, Aguiar-Curry, Travis Allen, Arambula, Baker, Berman, Bigelow, Bloom, Bonta, Brough, Burke, Caballero, Calderon, Carrillo, Cervantes, Chau, Chávez, Chen, Chiu, Choi, Chu, Cooley, Cooper, Cunningham, Dahle, Daly, Eggman, Flora, Fong, Frazier, Friedman, Gabriel, Gallagher, Cristina Garcia, Eduardo Garcia, Gipson, Gloria, Gonzalez Fletcher, Gray, Grayson, Harper, Holden, Irwin, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Kamlager-Dove, Kiley, Lackey, Levine, Limón, Low, Maienschein, Mathis, Mayes, McCarty, Medina, Melendez, Mullin, Muratsuchi, Nazarian, Obernolte, O'Donnell, Patterson, Quirk, Quirk-Silva, Reyes, Rivas, Rodriguez, Rubio, Salas, Santiago, Steinorth, Mark Stone, Thurmond, Ting, Voepel, Waldron, Weber, Wood, Rendon
8/30/18 20:54:25
**** END ****
SENATE THIRD READING
STR Bill Id:SB 1374
Author:(Hueso)
As Amended Ver:August 6, 2018
Majority vote
SENATE VOTE: 38-0
Committee | Votes | Ayes | Noes |
Utilities | 15-0 | Holden, Patterson, Burke, Chen, Cunningham, Eggman, Gallagher, Eduardo Garcia, Mayes, Muratsuchi, Quirk, Reyes, Santiago, Ting, Friedman | |
Natural Resources | 10-0 | Muratsuchi, Acosta, Chau, Eggman, Flora, Limón, McCarty, Melendez, Mark Stone, Reyes | |
Appropriations | 17-0 | Gonzalez Fletcher, Bigelow, Bloom, Bonta, Brough, Calderon, Carrillo, Chau, Eggman, Fong, Friedman, Gallagher, Eduardo Garcia, Nazarian, Obernolte, Quirk, Reyes |
SUMMARY: This bill deletes several obsolete provisions of the Public Resources Code governing the operations of the California Energy Commission (CEC) and places a sunset on a CEC reporting requirement. Specifically, this bill:
- Deletes reference to the defunct California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority.
- Removes reference to now-past reporting requirements.
- Sunsets, as of January 1, 2026/
- Deletes requirements related to large baseload plant hazard assessment.
- Makes inoperative, as of year 2026, a requirement the CEC periodically prepare a report to identify strategies to maximize the benefits obtained from natural gas.
FISCAL EFFECT:
According to Assembly Appropriations Committee, there are negligible costs to the CEC, if any.
COMMENTS:
This bill makes several changes to the Public Resources Code to delete obsolete references and place a sunset on a requirement that CEC produce a report on natural gas that the CEC says is duplicative of other CEC reports.
Analysis Prepared by: Elle Hoxworth / U. & E. / (916) 319-2083 FN: 0004210
Date of Hearing: August 8, 2018
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, Chair
SBPCA Bill Id:SB 1374
Author:(Hueso) – As Amended Ver:August 6, 2018
Policy Committee: | Utilities and Energy | Vote: | 15 - 0 |
Natural Resources | 10 - 0 | ||
|
|
Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No
SUMMARY:
This bill deletes several obsolete provisions of the Public Resources Code governing the operations of the California Energy Commission (CEC) and places a sunset on a CEC reporting requirement. Specifically, this bill:
- Deletes reference to the defunct California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority.
- Removes reference to now-past reporting requirements.
- Sunsets, as of January 1, 2026
- Deletes requirements related to large baseload plant hazard assessment.
- Makes inoperative, as of year 2026, a requirement the CEC periodically prepare a report to identify strategies to maximize the benefits obtained from natural gas.
FISCAL EFFECT:
Negligible costs to CEC, if any.
COMMENTS:
This bill—scaled back from a more-ambitious earlier form—makes several changes to the Public Resources Code to delete obsolete references and place a sunset on a requirement that CEC produce a report on natural gas that the CEC says is duplicative of other CEC reports.
Analysis Prepared by: Jay Dickenson / APPR. / (916) 319-2081
Date of Hearing: June 25, 2018
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES
Al Muratsuchi, Acting Chair
SBPCA Bill Id:SB 1374
Author:(Hueso) – As Amended Ver:June 12, 2018
SENATE VOTE: 38-0
SUBJECT: State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission: Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program: assessments and forecasts: integrated energy policy report.
SUMMARY: Authorizes the California Energy Commission (CEC) to delegate any power, duty, purpose, function, or jurisdiction to the executive director by affirmative vote of the commissioners. Revises and updates the CEC's Integrated Energy Policy Report (IEPR) statutes.
EXISTING LAW:
- Requires the CEC to appoint an executive director with administration and fiscal experience, who shall serve at its pleasure and whose duties and salary shall be prescribed by the CEC.
- Requires the CEC to conduct assessments and forecasts of all aspects of energy industry supply, production, transportation, delivery and distribution, demand, and prices and use these assessments and forecasts to develop and evaluate energy policies and programs that conserve resources, protect the environment, ensure energy reliability, enhance the state’s economy, and protect public health and safety.
- Requires the CEC to adopt the IEPR every two years, which must contain an overview of major energy trends and issues facing the state, including, but not limited to, supply, demand, pricing, reliability, efficiency, and impacts on public health and safety, the economy, resources, and the environment.
- Establishes various contents that must be included in the IEPR and requires the CEC to make the IEPR publicly accessible.
- Requires the CEC to conduct eletricity and natural gas forecasting and assessment activities as part of the IEPR.
- The Natural Gas Act requires the CEC to identify strategies to mazimize the benefits obtained from natural gas, including biomethane as an energy source, every four years with the IEPR.
- Requires the CEC to conduct transportation forecasting and assessment activities as part of the IEPR.
- Requires the CEC to include a description of the international energy market prospects and an evaluation of its export promotion activities as well as an assessment of the states energy technology and energy conservation industry’s efforts to enter foreign markets in the IEPR.
- Requires the Governor to review the IERP and report to the Legislature.
THIS BILL:
- Authorizes the CEC to delegate any power, duty, purpose, function, or jurisdiction to its executive director by affirmative vote recorded in the minutes of the CEC, unless otherwise specified or prohibited by law.
- Deletes the following from IEPR:
- Requirements to consult with the California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority;
- Requirements to group subsidiary volumes of the IEPR into specific energy market categories;
- Requirements to report on large baseload powerplant hazard assessments;
- A one-time reporting requirement regarding nuclear waste storage:
- Requirements to report on energy exports;
- Requirements regarding the governor’s obligation to separately report on the IEPR; and
- A requirement to convene a technical advisory group to develop an inventory of opportunities to manage load.
- Requirements to consult with the California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority;
- Sunsets a requirement to include recommendations every four years for maximizing the benefits from natural gas in 2025.
- Eliminates the authority of the executive director under the Alternative Reneweable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program to appove a project that recieves $75,000 or less, or amendments to a contract, grant, loan or other agreement or award if the amendments do not increase the amount recieved, change the scope of the project or modify the purpose of the agreement.
FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8, negligible state costs.
COMMENTS:
- Background. Existing law requires the CEC to develop the IEPR and establishes requirements for certain reports that must be included in the IEPR. The CEC develops the IEPR through public workshops, which include stakeholders relevant to the topics covered by the report. A draft version of the report is publicly available for comment and the IEPR is adopted at a CEC business meeting, which is also open to the public. The final IEPR is submitted to the Governor, Legislature and other stakeholders in addition to being posted on the CEC’s webpage.
Since the statutory creation of the IEPR in 2002, legislation has increased the reports required in the IEPR; however, many outdated code sections and one-time reporting requirements have not been repealed. Additionally, some of the reporting requirements are duplicative and do not reflect current energy market trends. For example, existing law still requires the CEC to consult with the California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority when developing the IEPR; however, the Authority ceased operation in 2007. Existing law also requires the CEC to include a report on large baseload powerplant hazard assessments. However, this reporting requirement largely applies to nuclear power plants that are scheduled for closure. Existing law requires the IEPR to include a report on the CEC’s energy Export Program; however, the CEC no longer operates this program.
The CEC is made up of five Commissioners appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Commissioners serve staggered five-year terms and represent specific areas of expertise: law, environment, economics, science/engineering, and the public at large. The executive director is appointed by the five commissioners and they prescribe the duties of the executive director. The CEC has a long list of responsibilities, including quasi-judicial and regulatory duties, such as permitting power plants and adopting building and appliance efficiency standards, where delegating approval to staff would not be appropriate or compatible with administrative procedure.
- Double referral. This bill was approved by the Utilities and Energy Committee on June 20, 2018 by a vote of 15-0, with agreement to adopt the following amendments in this committee to limit the delegation authority to funding-related amendments:
On page 9, lines 1-2, strike out "any power, duty, purpose, function, or jurisdiction" and insert:
the authority to approve amendments to a contract, grant, loan, or other agreement or award as long as the amendments do not increase the amount of the award, change the scope of the project, or modify the purpose of the agreement
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
None on file
Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared by: Lawrence Lingbloom / NAT. RES. /
Date of Hearing: June 20, 2018
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON UTILITIES AND ENERGY
Chris Holden, Chair
SBPCA Bill Id:SB 1374
Author:(Hueso) – As Amended Ver:June 12, 2018
SENATE VOTE: 38-0
SUBJECT: State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission: Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program: assessments and forecasts: integrated energy policy report
SUMMARY: This bill would authorize the California Energy Commission (CEC) to delegate any power, duty, purpose, function, or jurisdiction to the executive director by affirmative vote recorded in the minutes of the CEC, unless otherwise specified or prohibited by law. Additionally, this bill would revise the content and format of the Integrated Energy Policy Report (IEPR). Specifically, this bill:
- Authorizes the CEC to delegate any power, duty, purpose, function, or jurisdiction to the executive director by affirmative vote recorded in the minutes of the CEC, unless otherwise specified or prohibited by law.
- Deletes the following for the CEC’s IEPR:
- Requirements to consult with the California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority;
- Requirements to group subsidiary volumes of the IEPR into specific energy market categories;
- Requirements to report on large baseload powerplant hazard assessments;
- A one-time reporting requirement regarding nuclear waste storage:
- Requirements to report on the CEC’s energy Export Program;
- Requirements regarding the governor’s obligation to separately report on the IEPR; and
- A requirement to convene a technical advisory group to develop an inventory of opportunities to manage load.
- Requirements to consult with the California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority;
- Sunsets a requirement to include recommendations every four years for maximizing the benefits from natural gas in 2025.
- Eliminates the authority of the executive director of the CEC under the Alternative Reneweable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program to appove a project that recieves $75,000 or less, or amendments to a contract, grant, loan or other agreement or award if the amendments do not increase the amount recieved, change the scope of the project or modify the purpose of the agreement.
EXISTING LAW:
- Requires the CEC to appoint an executive director with administration and fiscal experience, who shall serve at its pleasure and whose duties and salary shall be prescribed by the CEC. (Public Resources Code § 25217)
- Requires the CEC to conduct assessments and forecasts of all aspects of energy industry supply, production, transportation, delivery and distribution, demand, and prices and use these assessments and forecasts to develop and evaluate energy policies and programs that conserve resources, protect the environment, ensure energy reliability, enhance the state’s economy, and protect public health and safety. (Public Resources Code § 25301)
- Requires the CEC to adopt the IEPR every two years, which must contain an overview of major energy trends and issues facing the state, including, but not limited to, supply, demand, pricing, reliability, efficiency, and impacts on public health and safety, the economy, resources, and the environment. (Public Resources Code § 25302)
- Establishes various contents that must be included in the IEPR and requires the CEC to make the IEPR publicly accessible. (Public Resources Code § 25302)
- Requires the CEC to conduct eletricity and natural gas forecasting and assessment activities as part of the intergrated energy policy report. (Public Resources Code § 25303)
- The Natural Gas Act requires the CEC to identify strategies to mazimize the benefits obtained from natural gas, including biomethane as an energy source, every four years with the integrated energy policy report. (Public Resources Code § 25303.5)
- Requires the CEC to conduct transportation forecasting and assessment activities as part of the integrated energy policy report. (Public Resources Code § 25304)
- Requires the CEC to include a description of the international energy market prospects and an evaluation of its export promotion activities as well as an assessment of the states energy technology and energy conservation industry’s efforts to enter foreign markets in the integrated energy policy report. (Public Resources Code § 25305.5)
- Requires the Governor to review the IERP and report to the Legislature. (Public Resources Code § 25307)
- Establishes the Alternative Reneweable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program to be adminstered by the commission.(Health and Safety Code § 44272)
FISCAL EFFECT: Under Senate Rule 28.8 the bill is found to cause no significant reduction in revenues or additional state costs are not significant and do not require the appropriation of additional state funds.
BACKGROUND:
Integrated Energy Policy Report (IEPR) – Existing law requires the CEC to develop the IEPR and establishes requirements for certain reports that must be included in the IEPR. The IEPR is a comprehensive energy policy report covering many aspects of California’s energy market, including energy supply and demand forecasts. In compliance with existing law, the CEC develops a full IEPR report every two years, with an update in the years between those full reports. The CEC develops the IEPR through public workshops, which include stakeholders relevant to the topics covered by the report. A draft version of the report is publicly available for comment and the IEPR is adopted at a CEC business meeting, which is also open to the public. The final IEPR is submitted to the governor, Legislature and other stakeholders in addition to being posted on the CEC’s webpage. Between 2016 and 2018, the CEC held over 40 workshops to obtain stakeholder feedback, develop, and adopt the 2017 IEPR.
Since the statutory creation of the IEPR in 2002, legislation has increased the reports required in the IEPR; however, many outdated code sections and one-time reporting requirements have not been repealed. Additionally, some of the reporting requirements are duplicative and do not reflect current energy market trends. For example, existing law still requires the CEC to consult with the California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority when developing the IEPR; however, the Authority ceased operation in 2007. Existing law also requires the CEC to include a report on large baseload powerplant hazard assessments. However, this reporting requirement largely applies to nuclear power plants that are scheduled for closure. Existing law requires the IEPR to include a report on the CEC’s energy Export Program; however, the CEC no longer operates this program. Fuel and energy supply analyses are included in the report as part of the larger forecasting requirements. This bill also includes a sunset for an existing report to be completed every four years on recommendations for maximizing the benefits of natural gas. This sunset is consistent with efforts to ensure that long-term reporting requirements are not duplicative. Several other statutes require reporting on natural gas, including renewable natural gas.
Executive Director & Commissioners – The CEC is made up of five Commissioners appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Commissioners serve staggered five-year terms The Commissioners represent specific areas of expertise: law, environment, economics, science/engineering, and the public at large. The executive director is appointed by the five commissioners and they prescribe the duties of the executive director. The CEC has a long list of responsibilities. The CEC is the state’s primary energy policy and planning agency. Since 1975, the CEC has been responsible for reducing the state's electricity and natural gas demand primarily by adopting new Building and Appliance Energy Efficiency Standards that have contributed to keeping California's per capita electricity consumption relatively low. Additionally, the CEC conducts energy research, development and demonstration (RD&D) programs by investing millions of dollars in technologies to improve California's energy systems and resources. Another large responsibility of the CEC is the certification and compliance of thermal power plants 50 megawatts (MW) and larger, including all project-related facilities in California.
COMMENTS:
- Author’s Statement. According to the author, “This bill is needed to clean up existing requirements for the CEC’s IEPR and ensure that the CEC has the necessary authority to streamline approvals of certain contracts and amendments to contracts. These changes will ensure that energy policy reporting requirements reflect existing trends in the energy market and will support efficient business operations at the CEC.”
- Broad Power of the Executive Director. The California Senate Office of Research investigated ways to optimize the public benefits of state-funded research. One of the difficulties they cited was delegation authority. The report, “Optimizing Public Benefits from State-Funded Research” stated:
…delegation authority for administering contracts and grants is a significant factor facilitating research program administration. Some agencies have been given delegation authority, enabling contractual changes without the need for additional approval. Others, however, are not given delegation authority, often resulting in delays and challenges with funding extensions and noncontroversial changes.
The recommendation to delegate approval authority to the executive director in order to prevent future delays is related to streamlining contract and grant adjustments. Yet as the bill is currently drafted it grants the executive director any power by an affirmative vote not just power over changes to the grants and contracts process. The CEC oversees many projects not related to contract and grant approvals, like Title 20 (Appliance Efficiency Program), Title 24 (Building Energy Efficiency) and the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). As currently written the commission could delegate approval of a power plant to the executive director. This gives broad power to the executive director and takes power away from the other Commissioners. Therefore the committee suggests amending the bill to grant the executive director delegation authority only in the funding approval process of grants and projects.
- Prior Legislation.
SB 1383 (Lara, Chapter 395, Statutes of 2016) required the IEPR to include recommendations for the development and use of renewable gas, including biomethane and biogas.
AB 1257 (Bocanegra, Chapter 749, Statutes of 2013) required the CEC to include recommendations in the IEPR every four years for maximizing the benefits obtained by natural gas.
AB 1900 (Gatto, Chapter 602, Statues of 2012) required the CEC to hold public hearings to identify impediments that limit procurement of biomethane in California, including, but not limited to, impediments to interconnection. The bill requires the CEC to include recommendations to address those barriers in the IEPR.
SB 1389 (Bowen and Sher, Chapter 568, Statutes of 2002) required the CEC to develop and adopt the IEPR and submit the IEPR to the Governor and Legislature every two years.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
None on file.
Opposition
None on file.
Analysis Prepared by: Elle Hoxworth / U. & E. /
Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 | SB |
THIRD READING
Bill No: SB 1374
:
SENATE ENERGY, U. & C. COMMITTEE: 10-0, 4/25/18
AYES: Hueso, Bradford, Cannella, Hertzberg, Hill, McGuire, Skinner, Stern, Vidak, Wiener
NO VOTE RECORDED: Morrell
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8
SUBJECT: State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission: assessments and forecasts: integrated energy policy report
DIGEST:
This bill deletes reporting requirements for the integrated energy policy report (IEPR) and clarifies the California Energy Commission’s (CEC) ability to delegate certain tasks to its executive director.
Existing law:
- Requires the CEC to appoint an executive director with administration and fiscal experience, who shall serve at its pleasure and whose duties and salary shall be prescribed by the CEC. (Public Resources Code §25217)
- Requires the CEC to conduct assessments and forecasts of all aspects of energy industry supply, production, transportation, delivery and distribution, demand, and prices and use these assessments and forecasts to develop and evaluate energy policies and programs that conserve resources, protect the environment, ensure energy reliability, enhance the state’s economy, and protect public health and safety. (Public Resources Code §25301)
- Requires the CEC to adopt the IEPR every two years, which must contain an overview of major energy trends and issues facing the state, including, but not limited to, supply, demand, pricing, reliability, efficiency, and impacts on public health and safety, the economy, resources, and the environment. (Public Resources Code §25302)
- Establishes various contents that must be included in the IEPR and requires the CEC to make the IEPR publicly accessible. (Public Resources Code §25302 et seq.)
This bill:
- Deletes the following for the CEC’s IEPR:
- Requirements to consult with the California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority.
- Requirements to group subsidiary volumes of the IEPR into specific energy market categories.
- Requirements to report on large baseload powerplant hazard assessments.
- A one-time reporting requirement regarding nuclear waste storage.
- Requirements to report on the CEC’s energy Export Program.
- Requirements regarding the governor’s obligation to separately report on the IEPR.
- A requirement to convene a technical advisory group to develop an inventory of opportunities to manage load.
- Sunsets a requirement to include recommendations every four years for maximizing the benefits from natural gas in 2025.
- Authorizes the CEC to delegate tasks to the executive director through a vote recorded in the minutes of a commission meeting.
Background
IEPR. Existing law requires the CEC to develop the IEPR and establishes requirements for certain reports that must be included in the IEPR. The IEPR is a comprehensive energy policy report covering many aspects of California’s energy market, including energy supply and demand forecasts. In compliance with existing law, the CEC develops a full IEPR report every two years, with an update in the years between those full reports. The CEC develops the IEPR through public workshops, which include stakeholders relevant to the topics covered by the report. A draft version of the report is publicly available for comment and the IEPR is adopted at a CEC business meeting, which is also open to the public. The final IEPR is submitted to the Governor, Legislature and other stakeholders in addition to being posted on the CEC’s webpage. Between 2016 and 2018, the CEC held over 40 workshops to obtain stakeholder feedback, develop, and adopt the 2017 IEPR.
Since the statutory creation of the IEPR in 2002, legislation has increased the reports required in the IEPR; however, many outdated code sections and one-time reporting requirements have not been repealed. Additionally, some of the reporting requirements are duplicative and do not reflect current energy market trends. For example, existing law still requires the CEC to consult with the California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority when developing the IEPR; however, the Authority ceased operation in 2007. Existing law also requires the CEC to include a report on large baseload powerplant hazard assessments. However, this reporting requirement largely applies to nuclear power plants that are scheduled for closure. Existing law requires the IEPR to include a report on the CEC’s energy Export Program; however, the CEC no longer operates this program. Fuel and energy supply analyses are included in the report as part of the larger forecasting requirements. This bill also includes a sunset for an existing report to be completed every four years on recommendations for maximizing the benefits of natural gas. This sunset is consistent with efforts to ensure that long-term reporting requirements are not duplicative. Several other statutes require reporting on natural gas, including renewable natural gas. The sunset date in the bill provides the Legislature with time to consider whether the reporting requirement is needed after 2025.
Delegation authority. Existing law requires the CEC to appoint an executive director with certain qualifications and establish duties for the executive director. However, existing law does not expressly provide the CEC with clear authority to delegate certain tasks to the executive director. This bill allows the CEC to delegate tasks to its executive director through an affirmative vote at a CEC business meeting. This delegation is similar to powers granted to other state boards and commissions, including the California Air Resources Board.
Currently, the CEC approves various contracts and amendments to contracts through an affirmative vote at a business meeting. While some of these contracts and amendments are significant and substantive items for the CEC, other contracts and amendments do not significantly impact expenditures. For example, the CEC’s contract to remain members of the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) must be approved by the CEC in a business meeting. All U.S. states and territories are members of NASEO. Without a mechanism to delegate certain contract and amendment approvals to the executive director, the CEC will lack a method for streamlining workload for business meetings. Additionally, some contract amendments may be delayed while the parties wait for an affirmative vote at the next business meeting. These delays could negatively impact contractors who have a limited window in which they can leverage CEC funds to obtain additional funding or approvals. This bill allows the CEC to set parameters under which the executive director can take certain actions on behalf of the CEC. Other state energy agencies have similar powers. For example, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority adopts resolutions delegating certain tasks to its executive officer.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:
None received
OPPOSITION: (Verified 5/23/18)
None received
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to the author, “This bill is needed to clean up existing requirements for the CEC’s IEPR and ensure that the CEC has the necessary authority to streamline approvals of certain contracts and amendments to contracts. These changes will ensure that energy policy reporting requirements reflect existing trends in the energy market and will support efficient business operations at the CEC.”
5/24/18 13:51:36
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY, UTILITIES AND COMMUNICATIONS
Senator Ben Hueso, Chair
2017 - 2018 Regular
Bill No: SB 1374 Hearing Date: 4/25/2018
Author: | Hueso | ||
Version: | 4/18/2018 Amended | ||
Urgency: | No | Fiscal: | Yes |
Consultant: | Sarah Smith | ||
SUBJECT: State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission: assessments and forecasts: integrated energy policy report
DIGEST: This bill deletes reporting requirements for the IEPR and clarifies the CEC’s ability to delegate certain tasks to its executive director.
ANALYSIS:
Existing law:
- Requires the California Energy Commission (CEC) to appoint an executive director with administration and fiscal experience, who shall serve at its pleasure and whose duties and salary shall be prescribed by the CEC. (Public Resources Code §25217)
- Requires the CEC to conduct assessments and forecasts of all aspects of energy industry supply, production, transportation, delivery and distribution, demand, and prices and use these assessments and forecasts to develop and evaluate energy policies and programs that conserve resources, protect the environment, ensure energy reliability, enhance the state’s economy, and protect public health and safety. (Public Resources Code §25301)
- Requires the CEC to adopt the Integrated Energy Policy Report (IEPR) every two years, which must contain an overview of major energy trends and issues facing the state, including, but not limited to, supply, demand, pricing, reliability, efficiency, and impacts on public health and safety, the economy, resources, and the environment. (Public Resources Code §25302)
- Establishes various contents that must be included in the IEPR and requires the CEC to make the IEPR publicly accessible. (Public Resources Code §25302 et seq.)
This bill:
- Deletes the following for the CEC’s IEPR:
- Requirements to consult with the California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority.
- Requirements to group subsidiary volumes of the IEPR into specific energy market categories.
- Requirements to report on large baseload powerplant hazard assessments.
- A one-time reporting requirement regarding nuclear waste storage.
- Requirements to report on the CEC’s energy Export Program.
- Requirements regarding the governor’s obligation to separately report on the IEPR.
- Requirements to make recommendations regarding obstacles for biomethane interconnection.
- A requirement to convene a technical advisory group to develop an inventory of opportunities to manage load.
- Sunsets a requirement to include recommendations every four years for maximizing the benefits from natural gas in 2025.
- Authorizes the CEC to delegate tasks to the executive director through a vote recorded in the minutes of a commission meeting.
Background
Integrated Energy Policy Report (IEPR). Existing law requires the CEC to develop the IEPR and establishes requirements for certain reports that must be included in the IEPR. The IEPR is a comprehensive energy policy report covering many aspects of California’s energy market, including energy supply and demand forecasts. In compliance with existing law, the CEC develops a full IEPR report every two years, with an update in the years between those full reports. The CEC develops the IEPR through public workshops, which include stakeholders relevant to the topics covered by the report. A draft version of the report is publicly available for comment and the IEPR is adopted at a CEC business meeting, which is also open to the public. The final IEPR is submitted to the governor, Legislature and other stakeholders in addition to being posted on the CEC’s webpage. Between 2016 and 2018, the CEC held over 40 workshops to obtain stakeholder feedback, develop, and adopt the 2017 IEPR.
Since the statutory creation of the IEPR in 2002, legislation has increased the reports required in the IEPR; however, many outdated code sections and one-time reporting requirements have not been repealed. Additionally, some of the reporting requirements are duplicative and do not reflect current energy market trends. For example, existing law still requires the CEC to consult with the California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority when developing the IEPR; however, the Authority ceased operation in 2007. Existing law also requires the CEC to include a report on large baseload powerplant hazard assessments. However, this reporting requirement largely applies to nuclear power plants that are scheduled for closure. Existing law requires the IEPR to include a report on the CEC’s energy Export Program; however, the CEC no longer operates this program. Fuel and energy supply analyses are included in the report as part of the larger forecasting requirements. This bill also includes a sunset for an existing report to be completed every four years on recommendations for maximizing the benefits of natural gas. This sunset is consistent with efforts to ensure that long-term reporting requirements are not duplicative. Several other statutes require reporting on natural gas, including renewable natural gas. The sunset date in the bill provides the Legislature with time to consider whether the reporting requirement is needed after 2025.
Delegation authority. Existing law requires the CEC to appoint an executive director with certain qualifications and establish duties for the executive director. However, existing law does not expressly provide the CEC with clear authority to delegate certain tasks to the executive director. This bill would allow the CEC to delegate tasks to its executive director through an affirmative vote at a CEC business meeting. This delegation is similar to powers granted to other state boards and commissions, including the California Air Resources Board (ARB).
Currently, the CEC approves various contracts and amendments to contracts through an affirmative vote at a business meeting. While some of these contracts and amendments are significant and substantive items for the CEC, other contracts and amendments do not significantly impact expenditures. For example, the CEC’s contract to remain members of the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) must be approved by the CEC in a business meeting. All U.S. states and territories are members of NASEO. Without a mechanism to delegate certain contract and amendment approvals to the executive director, the CEC will lack a method for streamlining workload for business meetings. Additionally, some contract amendments may be delayed while the parties wait for an affirmative vote at the next business meeting. These delays could negatively impact contractors who have a limited window in which they can leverage CEC funds to obtain additional funding or approvals. This bill would allow the CEC to set parameters under which the executive director can take certain actions on behalf of the CEC. Other state energy agencies have similar powers. For example, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) adopts resolutions delegating certain tasks to its executive officer.
Need for amendments. This bill deletes a requirement for the IEPR to include recommendations about barriers to biomethane interconnection. This deletion appears to be inadvertent. While the CEC could continue to report barriers to biometheane interconnection as part of other biomethane related reporting requirements, these statutes do not specifically call for recommendations regarding interconnection. The author and committee may wish to amend this bill to remove this deletion.
Prior/Related Legislation
SB 1383 (Lara, Chapter 395, Statutes of 2016) required the IEPR to include recommendations for the development and use of renewable gas, including biomethane and biogas. The bill requires the CEC to identify cost-effective strategies that are consistent with existing state policies and climate change goals by considering priority end uses of renewable gas, including biomethane and biogas, and their interactions with state policies, including biomethane.
AB 1257 (Bocanegra, Chapter 749, Statutes of 2013) required the CEC to include recommendations in the IEPR every four years for maximizing the benefits obtained by natural gas.
AB 1900 (Gatto, Chapter 602, Statues of 2012) required the CEC to hold public hearings to identify impediments that limit procurement of biomethane in California, including, but not limited to, impediments to interconnection. The bill requires the CEC to include recommendations to address those barriers in the IEPR.
SB 1389 (Bowen and Sher, Chapter 568, Statutes of 2002) required the CEC to develop and adopt the IEPR and submit the IEPR to the Governor and Legislature every two years.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No
SUPPORT:
None received
OPPOSITION:
None received
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to the author:
“This bill is needed to clean up existing requirements for the CEC’s IEPR and ensure that the CEC has the necessary authority to streamline approvals of certain contracts and amendments to contracts. These changes are needed to ensure that energy policy reporting requirements reflect existing trends in the energy market and support efficient business operations at the CEC.”
-- END --
Discussed in Hearing
1MIN
Assembly Floor
1MIN
Senate Floor
2MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):