State Senator Tony Strickland Unveils 2009 Energy Bill Package

8 avril 2009, 19:32

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Today, California State Senator Tony Strickland (R-Thousand Oaks) unveiled his 2009 energy bill package, at a press conference in front of Clipper Windpower in Carpinteria. Flanked by renewable energy business leaders Doug Pertz, CEO of Clipper Windpower and Jim Trotter, former President of Solar Energy Industries Association, with a model wind turbine as his backdrop, Senator Strickland spoke about his legislation and transitioning California to a renewable, more energy efficient economy.


“Today, California is squeezed between an economic crisis and an energy crisis that requires us to fundamentally rethink how we do business,” said Senator Strickland.


Senator Strickland’s bill package focuses on expanding renewable, clean energy. His legislation would move California away from dirty fossil fuels that are not just bad for the environment, but are a threat to energy security. And for those fossil fuels like diesel that we can’t rid the earth of, Strickland’s bill package encourages people to make those emissions cleaner.


Senator Strickland continued, “I’m working with Democrats and Republicans to change California to a renewable energy economy to create jobs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, improve the environment, and lower energy prices . By focusing on legislation that promotes renewable, clean energy, we promote local businesses. When businesses grow, jobs multiply.”


Once Senator Strickland had concluded, Doug Pertz commented on the benefits of wind energy and how his company is making strides to promote renewable energy use in Santa Barbara County. Jim Trotter made reference that Senator Strickland’s renewable energy legislation will grow the economy and create jobs in California.


In addition, Seth Hammond, President of Specialty Crane and Rigging commented on how SB 464: Diesel Particulate Matter Reduction: would help local businesses like his as they transition machinery to cleaner energy use.


Key elements of Senator Strickland’s energy legislation includes:


  1. SB 463: Renewable Energy Projects: This bill would entitle a person to a one-time tax credit not to exceed $3,000, or equal to 30 percent of all costs for the purchase and installation of a renewable energy resource project.

  2. SB 534/SCA 13: Small Wind Turbines & Geothermal Heat Pump Systems: This bill would promote the use of renewable energy by allowing for the construction of a small wind turbine or geothermal heat pump system on private property without costing the property owner additional property taxes for the improvement to the property.

  3. SB 551: Transmission Lines: This bill provides the Energy Commission with the exclusive authority to certify electric transmission lines with the goal of reducing the application time for specific projects.

  4. SB 462: Manufacturers of Diesel Exhaust Filters: This bill would entitle a person to a $10,000 tax-credit per year for manufacturing technology that is designed and verified by the Air Resource Board to reduce diesel emissions.

  5. SB 464: Diesel Particulate Matter Reduction: This bill would entitle a personto a tax credit equal to 5 percent, not exceeding $10,000 of the cost for the purchase of equipment verified in the reduction of particulate emissions from diesel-fueled engines.

  6. SB 542: Solar Energy & Energy Efficiency Programs: Senator Strickland has joint-authored SB 542 with Democratic Senator Pat Wiggins. This bill would add apartments, duplexes, and commercial rental properties into the California Solar Initiative and other energy efficiency programs to encourage the use of renewable energy.

Tony Strickland represents California Senate District 19, which includes portions of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties.