We Are Showing the World How It's Done, Says Governor Schwarzenegger

On Monday, Oct. 12, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger shook hands with U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar to make sure that California gets its share of renewable energy projects.

"California is showing the world how to protect the economy, environment and habitat all at the same time," said Governor Schwarzenegger, in a statement. "We know our future is in clean power, clean energy and clean technology, and we are taking action so California will be able to meet its ambitious renewable energy and environmental goals." ( To view the article, which contained this quote click here)

California means business and is the first state to sign this type of agreement in order to partner with the government to develop long-term renewable energy plans. The idea is to move the projects through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act in order to receive the 30% federal tax credit.

The Governor is in a hurry as well. The parties agreed to expedite projects that are on track to break ground by the end of 2010 and become eligible for more than $15 billion in Recovery Act funding.

But the Governor is working hard on his end and last month signed an executive order directing the California Air Resources Board to adopt regulations increasing California's Renewable Portfolio Standard to 33% by 2020.

Last year California was very productive in this field and passed three bills (AB 1451, AB 2466 and AB 2267.) One bill increased solar power via continuing a property tax exclusion for projects that utilize solar panel energy and also expanded the exclusion to builder-installed solar energy systems in new homes.

Another bill directed the California Public Utilities Commission to grant incentives to eligible California-technology manufacturers.

And the third bill allowed local governments to receive utility bill credit for surplus renewable electricity generated at one site against the electricity consumption at other sites.