BILL NUMBER: AB 2685	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Oropeza

                        FEBRUARY 20, 2004

   An act to add Chapter 6.6 (commencing with Section 25560) to
Division 15 of the Public Resources Code, relating to energy
resources.



	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   AB 2685, as introduced, Oropeza.  Energy resources:  Energy
Independence Board.
   Existing law provides for the restructuring of California's
electric power industry so that the price for the generation of
electricity is determined by a competitive market.
   This bill would create the Energy Independence Board within the
Office of Planning and Research to facilitate the development of
electricity generation facilities, as defined.  The bill would
require the focus of the board to be on streamlining regulatory
requirements and processes.  The bill would not authorize the board
to reduce existing environmental or other regulatory requirements.
   Vote:  majority.  Appropriation:  no.  Fiscal committee:  yes.
State-mandated local program:  no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:


  SECTION 1.  Chapter 6.6 (commencing with Section 25560) is added to
Division 15 of the Public Resources Code, to read:

      CHAPTER 6.6. Energy Independence Board

   25560.  (a) There is within the Office of Planning and Research
the Energy Independence Board.
   (b) The board shall facilitate the development of electricity
generation facilities.
   25560.1.  For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions
apply:
   (a) "Board" means the Energy Independence Board.
   (b) "Electricity generation facilities" includes facilities for
all sources of electricity, including renewable energy and
distributed generation facilities, that are under 50 megawatts.
   25560.2.  (a) The Director of the State Clearinghouse shall be the
chair of the board.
   (b) The board shall consist of a representative from each of the
following:
   (1) Air Resources Board.
   (2) California Environmental Protection Agency.
   (3) Department of Fish and Game.
   (4) Integrated Waste Management Board.
   (5) Resources Agency.
   (6) State Energy Resources Conservation and Development
Commission.
   (7) State Water Quality Control Board.
   25560.3.  The focus of the board shall be on streamlining
regulatory requirements and processes.  Where possible, agencies,
boards and commissions shall work together to develop project
specific timelines, processes, and mitigation measures.  No
mitigation measure recommended by one agency, board, or commission
shall negatively impact another regulatory agency, board, or
commission.
   25560.4.  State agencies, departments, commissions, and other
boards shall staff the board with staff of sufficient background,
knowledge, and authority for the board to accomplish its mission.
   25560.5.  Appropriate federal regulatory agencies, departments,
and commissions shall be invited to participate with the board.
   25560.6.  Local governments, nonprofit organizations, and
businesses may apply to the board for assistance in improving the
coordination of state entities related to developing new and
expanding existing electricity generation facilities in California.
   25560.7.  Nothing in this chapter reduces or authorizes the board
to reduce, existing environmental or other regulatory requirements.