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9A Page 19 htto:/Iwww.cacities.ora/resource files/28170.0ooose S 1192 Cell Tax Moratorium Bill sarnole l2tdoc. American Clean Energy and Security Act Moves to the U.S. Senate Last Friday, the House of Representatives voted 219-212 to pass HR 2454. legislation aimed at creating clean energy jobs, achieving energy independence, reducing global warming pollution and transitioning the U.S. into a clean energy economy. Authored by Reps. Henry Waxman and Edward Markey, HR 2454 includes a number of provisions that are designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions including: . A requirement that electric utilities meet 20 percent of their electricity demand through renewable energy sources and energy efficiency by the year 2020. This requirement applies to utilities that sell more than 4 million megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity to consumers. Based on 2007 information from the Energy Information Administration, approximately 21 public utilities produced more than 4 million MWh. . A reduction of carbon emissions from major U.S. sources of 17 percent by 2020 and over 80percent by 2050 compared to 2005 levels. . Investing in clean energy technologies and energy efficiency, including renewable energy ($90 billion in new investments by 2025) carbon capture and sequestration ($60 billion), electric and other advanced technology vehicles ($20 billion) and basic scientific research and development ($20 billion). Amendments to HR 2454 include a provision to accommodate states, such as California, that have preexisting renewable electricity standards and authorization for the U.S. Department of Agricultural to establish a program governing the generation of offset credits from domestic agricultural and forestry. Although the League agrees with the premise of the legislation. we continue to have two main concerns. HR 2454 does not go far enough in assisting local government in efforts to mitigate the effects of global warming. The League unsuccessfully sought an amendment which would dedicate a portion of revenues generated by this legislation to support the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG). The EECBG Program funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has been a significant help to local governments attempting to meet energy efficiency and climate change goals. HR 2454 does not effectively deal with financial support for energy efficient transportation solutions. The transportation sector accounts for nearly one third of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions and actions are being taken to increase fuel efficiency and decrease vehicle miles traveled. To this end, a dedicated funding source is needed If cities and towns are going to be able to create more sustainable communities while strengthening our economy. The League will continue to monitor this important legislation and will provide further updates. HR 2454 will next be voted on by the Senate. Federal Stimulus Funding Workshops Scheduled-Register Nowl With the state expected to receive more than $85 billion in federal stimulus funding in the next two years, the California Commission for Jobs and Economic Growth will be hosting conferences on how to transform Califomia1s share of federal stimulus funding into new jobs. Conference organizers expect the events will include local, regional, state and federal experts from transportation, education, broadband, workforce training and energy. Held in collaboration with the Governor's Recovery Task Force. the conferences are being designed to give stakeholders guidance on how local communities, including public agencies and private employers, can access some of California's share of the stimulus funding. 5