The Senate Energy Utilities & Communications Committee passed legislation that directs $8 million of California Energy Commission funds to support clean energy high school academies. The premise is that the initiative would curb the state's drop out rate through clean energy job training and increase the green jobs workforce. SB1x-1 by Senate President Pro Tem Darrel Steinberg (D-Sacramento) passed on a 7-3 vote Feb. 15. It received broad support although it was acknowledged that the bill redirects existing funds. The academies "can inspire the next generation of utility workers," said Valerie Turella, Pacific Gas & Electric spokesperson. She also noted there was a shortage of utility workers. The source of funding--the Energy Commission's Energy Resources Program Account--is controversial. Energy Commission assistant executive director Robin Smutny-Jones said after the academies' first year, the commission's fund would be in the red if redirected to support Steinberg's green energy training proposal. She added other funding sources within the Energy Commission may be preferable. That may include AB 118's alternative transportation fuel budget or monies from the Renewable Resources Trust Fund. Earlier in the week, legislation that exempts from state taxes compensation given to victims of the Sept. 9 San Bruno gas explosion passed the Assembly Revenue & Tax Committee Feb. 14. AB 50 by Assemblymember Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo) categorizes funds provided by Pacific Gas & Electric, San Bruno, and the Red Cross to those who suffered personal harm and/or property damage as qualifying disaster relief monies. These funds are not added into taxable gross income. It is unclear how the federal government will categorize the funds for tax purposes because the explosion was not designated an emergency by the President.