Bill Gives Incentives for Energy Efficiency

KCBS. October 6, 2009

BERKELEY, Calif. (KCBS) -- Backers of Assembly Bill 758 are now waiting for the Governor to attach his signature to it.

The measure, which has passed both the senate and assembly, was co-authored by Assembly Members Karen Bass and Nancy Skinner, who hope it will make existing buildings more energy efficient and less expensive to operate.

KCBS' Bob Melrose Reports

Under the plan, the California Energy Commission is required to develop a comprehensive energy efficiency program for all existing residential and commercial buildings.

Money would be provided by the California Public Utilities Commission and federal stimulus funds as incentives for energy efficiency.

David Fink with Global Green, a co-sponsor of the bill, said that this should be a no-brainer for the governor.

"Locally, getting at existing buildings means we're decreasing our need for new power plant construction," Fink said. "We're stabilizing electricity costs, we're enhancing home affordability. Nationally, we're reducing our dependance on imported energy."

The Governor has until October 11 to sign the legislation.

Full KCBS Article