Assembly Standing Committee on Natural Resources

Thank you all so much. We're now going to begin the Assembly Natural Resource Committee hearing, on my birthday for a special order of business. A Republican Bill by Assembly Member Joe Patterson, AB 34. The only bill on the agenda. Whenever you're ready, sir. Actually, can we establish a quorum real quick, Madam Secretary, before we lose it?

[ROLL CALL] We have a quorum.

Whenever you're ready.

All right. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Good morning. Just wanted to present my Bill here, AB 34. I appreciate everybody. So there we go. Appreciate everybody's time. This is a very simple bill. All it does is extend a few more years, allow only publicly owned utilities to count their existing large hydro towards their renewable portfolio obligations.

And with that, I respectfully ask for an aye vote. I have two witnesses here with me representing Northern California Public Agency that are going to speak for a very long time.

Good morning. Happy birthday, Mr. Chair. Shane Lavigne, on behalf of the Northern California Power Agency, with me today is Dr. Lena Perkins, Acting Deputy Director of Resources for the city of Palo Alto. Make it really brief.

The Bill extends the current eligibility of the current eligibility of large hydroelectric power generation for POUs under the state's renewable portfolio standard. This accommodation was negotiated years ago with SB 100 and SB 350.

Without this accommodation, there's a significant account affordability risk to a number of communities and who are going through resource planning right now, which is why the urgency for this Bill. And with that, I will stop and appreciate your aye vote. Thank you.

Absolutely. Whenever you're ready.

I'm just here for questions. My name is Lena Perkins from City of Palo Alto Utilities.

There is a motion and a second. Is there anybody in this hearing room in support of this measure? Is there a single person in this hearing room who came to support this measure? Seeing none. Is there any opposition here today? Seeing none. Will now move it to Committee Members. Any important necessary questions about this measure. Seeing none. We have a motion. And second. Mr. Patterson, would you like to close?

Yes, thank you. I know we're all dedicated. Affordability, this bill helps with that. I respectfully asked for an aye vote.

This bill has a do pass recommendation from the Chair. Madam Secretary, can we call the roll?

Motion is due pass to Appropriations. [ROLL CALL]

That measure is out. This meeting is adjourned.