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8A Page 10 'Energy Block Grants' Continued from Page 1... The EESG program is part of the Energy Independence and Security Act (HR. 6), which President Bush signed into law in December 2007. The program would provide cities with federal funding for innovative practices to improve energy efficiency, lower energy usage and reduce fossil fuel emissions. Although H.R. 6 authorizes $10 billion ($2 billion per year 2008-2012), the funds need to be appropriated by Congress each year as part of the federal budget process. H.R. 6 splits up the $2 billion annual allocation into four different funding pots: 68 percent is designated for cities and counties {local government pot}, 28 percent for states (state pot), 2 percent for Indian tribes, and 2 percent for competitive grants to local governments or a consortia of local governments who are ineligible for funding out of the other funding streams. Cities with a population of 35,000 or more, and counties with a population of 200,000 or more (as well as the top 10 most populous cities and counties in each state) will be eligible for funds out of the local government pot. AS 2176 addresses California's portion of the state funding and would establish a mechanism through which funds received by the state would then be passed on to cities and counties. H.R. 6 mandates that 60 percent of the state portion must go to cities and counties that are not eligible to receive funding out of the local government pot (those not eligible would be cities under 35,000 in population). The League expects the bill to go to its first committee in early April. As the sponsor of AS 2176, the League is working closely with the California Energy Commission to ensure that the process is smooth once funds are ready to be distributed. 'Transportation Funding Hearing' Continued from Page 1... Larry Patterson, public works director for the city of San Mateo and first vice president of the League's Public Works Department, represented the League at the hearing. The League is advocating that all levels of government be included in future discussions related to transportation funding, stressing that local governments should have an integral role and local projects should be eligible for funding. The commission's report recognizes that the federal government must partner with state and local governments to address the transportation crisis. The Feb. 28 hearing was the first step in a long process to clearly define the scope of the next reauthorization, scheduled to occur in 2010. The League will provide updates as developments occur. 'CEQA Workshops' Continued from Page 1... Each workshop is being co-hosted by the California Attorney General and the Local Government Commission. The League of California Cities and other organizations are co-sponsors of the events. The workshops are designed to help answer many of the legal and practical questions cities and counties face related to climate change. Some of the questions that will be addressed include: . How do local governments analyze the C02 impacts of future development? . What mitigation strategies should be employed? . How do local governments undertake the required analysis efficiently and on a limited budget? Case studies of the best and most innovative steps being taken by local governments across California will also be presented. Speakers will include city officials, Attorney General Jerry 2