Friday, October 12, 2007, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a package of legislation furthering his and Californians commitment to energy efficiency, conservation and pollution reduction.
"California is a world leader in improving technologies and promoting conservation while protecting our environment," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "That is why I am pleased to sign this legislation that will protect our precious resources and continue to keep California at the forefront of energy and water efficiency."
The Governor signed the following seven bills:
- AB 662 by Assemblymember Ira Ruskin (D-Redwood City) expands the authority of the California Energy Commission to set water efficiency standards for appliances.
- AB 1103 by Assemblymember Lori Saldaña (D-San Diego) requires electric utilities to maintain records of energy consumption data for all nonresidential buildings to which they provide service and requires building owners or operators to provide benchmarking data to prospective buyers, lessees or lenders beginning January 1, 2010.
- AB 1109 by Assemblymember Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) enacts the California Lighting Efficiency and Toxics Reduction Act which prohibits the manufacturing for sale or the sale of certain general purpose lights that contain hazardous substances. In addition, the bill requires the California Energy Commission to adopt energy efficiency standards for all general purpose lights.
- AB 1406 by Assemblymember Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) adds condominiums to the meaning of “structure” with respect to the use of recycled water for toilet and urinal flushing.
- AB 1470 by Assemblymember Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) creates the Solar Water Heating and Efficiency Act of 2007 which provides incentives to attain the goal of installing 200,000 solar water heating systems in the state by 2017.
- AB 1481 by Assemblymember Hector De La Torre (D-South Gate) creates a uniform, statewide permitting process for landscape irrigation uses of recycled water, such as parks, playgrounds and golf courses, by requiring the State Water Resources Control Board to adopt a statewide general water quality permit.
- AB 1560 by Assemblymember Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) requires the California Energy Commission to incorporate standards for water efficiency and conservation into the existing building standards governing energy efficiency.
The Governor has made energy efficiency and protecting the environment a top priority in his administration. In December 2004, he signed Executive Order S-20-04 creating his “Green Building Initiative,” calling for the state to lead the way in designing, operating and re-engineering its buildings to make them the most resource-efficient, energy-efficient and healthful public buildings in the nation.
To achieve his ambitious goals, Governor Schwarzenegger created the Green Action Team, a Cabinet-level group working to implement the Green Building Initiative. Led by State and Consumer Services Agency Secretary Rosario Marin, the team’s goal is to oversee and direct the State’s efforts. The Green Building Initiative will reduce carbon emissions by 500,000 metric tons by 2010 and 1.8 million metric tons by 2020.
The Executive Order calls for the State to reduce its electricity demand by 10 percent by 2010 and by 20 percent by 2015. California is also actively working to deploy fuel cell, wind and biomass solutions.
So far, nine California state government buildings, with more than 2 million sq. feet, are Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified through the U.S. Green Building Standard. More than 100 buildings (5 million sq. ft.) are currently planned and budgeted for LEED Silver certification.
All new, renovated and built-to-suit leased state buildings will meet LEED standards. California is also making substantial upgrades to the state’s older buildings to reduce their energy use by replacing HVAC system, installing new lighting and other improvements.
Last year, Governor Schwarzenegger signed legislation to complete his Million Solar Roofs Plan to provide 3,000 megawatts of additional clean energy and reduce the output of greenhouse gases by 3 million tons, equivalent to taking one million cars off the road. The $2.9 billion incentive plan for homeowners and building owners who install solar electric systems will lead to one million solar roofs in California by the year 2018.
Governor Schwarzenegger Signs Legislation Promoting Solar Power, Energy and Water Efficiency.
Thank you Governor, Thank you California.
Rest Of the world, Come join us finding the best solution to the enormous problem we are facing, best possible way you could assist.
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