Demand a Clean-Up Bill to AB 205/SB 180!
Call and email key state Senators and Assemblymembers TODAY. They have the power to make changes to this horrendous $1.5 billion energy package by pushing what’s called a “clean-up” bill. This recently passed energy package (SB 180 and AB 205) must be amended.
As it currently stands, “Article 5” in AB 205 allows the Department of Water Resources to issue a mere certificate for a fossil fuel plant or Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant to operate beyond their decommissioning dates in lieu of a permit or other documents required by state, local and regional agencies!
AB 205 ends the jurisdiction of local, regional, and state agencies for purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and designates the Energy Commission as the lead agency for CEQA regarding certification decisions. This includes for large renewable energy and battery storage facilities as well as for manufacturing facilities for renewable energy and batteries.
The bill could allow the Department of Water Resources to use up to $75 million to salvage energy facilities pending retirement like Diablo Canyon!
The clean-up bill must:
- Restore the jurisdiction and authority of these important commissions and local and regional agencies such as regional water boards and regional air district boards.
- Ensure that ANY certification of a power plant complies with local, state, and federal law.
- Provide standard open government rules that require public involvement, including holding hearings in the locations in which a project is proposed and transparent sharing of information with the public.
- Allow local community choice energy programs and municipal utilities qualification for reimbursement, as are electrical corporations for the above-market cost of energy procurement.
- Include a competitive bidding process that adheres to state contracting requirements, including all contracts and services “reasonably related to those contacts.”
Importantly, the $1.5 billion should be restricted to the development of renewable energy resources and storage capacity, not to support the continued operation of dirty, dangerous, and expensive fossil fuel and nuclear plants.
Exempting the operation of a dirty power plant from all state and local laws is undemocratic and counter to mitigating climate change. The bill, as currently written, contradicts claims of support for climate change action by Governor Newsom and other elected officials.
Call and/or email these key Senators and Assemblymembers TODAY!
- Senator Laird, SLO office: (805) 549.3784
- Governor Gavin Newsom: (916) 445-2841
- Senator President pro-Temp Atkins: (916) 651.4039
- Speaker Rendon: (916) 319-2063
- Senator Henry Stern: (916) 651-4027
- Senator Ben Allen: (916) 651-4026
- Assemblymember Laura Friedman: (916) 319-2043
- Assemblymember Steve Bennett: (916) 319-2037
- Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi: (916) 319-2066
Sample Message:
[Name of Elected] –
I am a (San Luis Obispo County or California) resident and am calling/writing to express my objection to using the California State budget to include billions of dollars in taxpayer money to prolong the operation of fossil fuel plants and Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant beyond their respective closing dates.
I urge you to support responsible energy policy and push for a clean-up bill to amend Article 5 in AB 205 and restore the jurisdiction of the important Commissions that protect our lands, water, air, and wildlife; comply with local, state, and federal law; and provide for more public involvement, including holding hearings in the locations in which the project is proposed.
Put the $1.5 billion toward developing more renewable clean energy and storage, not toward extending the operation of dirty nuclear and fossil fuel plants.
Thank you,
Your name and location