CA Expects $3.4B to Flow from Feds

California likely will reap $3.37 billion from the federal economic stimulus program to promote renewable power, energy efficiency, and less-polluting power resources, the governor’s office reported earlier this week. That includes $600 million in loan guarantees for renewable energy and transmission projects, $450 million for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and “advanced” battery research, and another $450 million to develop high tech communication technologies to enhance the grid. The latter entails the federal plan to put in place a “smart grid” (see Inside the Beltway story at page 15). It also includes $340 million for projects that aim to trap and store (sequester) carbon emissions from coal plants. A number of the Southern California public power agencies and Southern California Edison import coal-fired power. Some munis and Edison plan to separately study the feasibility of capturing and sequestering carbon dioxide emissions at coal-powered facilities in Utah. In addition, the Department of Energy approved giving the California Energy Commission $226 million and another agency $185.8 million for weatherization of low-income homes (Circuit, March 20, 2009). In addition, the governor’s office expects the following amounts to flow into the state: -$650 million to the Western Area Power Administration and Bonneville Power administration--both federal agencies--for new and upgraded transmission benefiting California. -$480 million for energy efficiency upgrades for federal buildings and vehicle fleets in the state. -$40 million for transportation electrification. -$56 million for energy efficiency and conservation grants. -$58 million for block grants -$30 million to cities to buy alternative fuels or fuel-cell vehicles. On March 26, the governor announced the creation of the California Federal Economic Stimulus Task Force. “This task force will keep track of all of the dollars coming into the state and ensure that Californians see how effectively those dollars are being spent,” said Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

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CA Expects $3.4B to Flow from Feds

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