ENVIRONMENTAL REFORM

In 2019, wind-powered generation contributed 84.4 thousand gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity in Texas, an 11% increase from the 75.7 thousand GWh generated in 2018. Substantial growth in wind capacity in the state was the primary reason for this increase. Texas wind capacity rose almost 17% in 2019, from 24.1 gigawatts (GW) in 2018 to 28.1 GW in 2019. Wind power accounted for 18% of the electricity generated in Texas in 2019, compared with 6% in 2010. In contrast, for California in 2020, wind energy generated within California totaled only 13,708 gigawatt-hours (GWh) or 7.18 percent of California’s in-state generation portfolio.Wind energy, must become an integral part of California’s electricity portfolio so as to help meet the state’s Renewables Portfolio Standard, which requires utilities to procure 50 percent of retail sales from renewable sources by 2020 and 60 percent by 2030. Unless California changes its approval and environmental licensing procedure, it will not be able to further increase its wind generation program, Without an increase in wind generation, California will continue to negatively impact the environment. through its less efficient non renewable energy generation processes. 

In 2009 the Cal Legislature passed AB 25 which encourages counties to permit small wind generators in their borders. It did not have its hoped for intent of boosting wind energy generation in the state. I would extend that that goal by allowing big wind generators in non municipal areas as long as they do not not harm the environment and are in accords with the county’s general plan which would have a component for renewable energy production 

I thereby propose extending the concept of the Small Business Administration and thus creating an Energy Development Administration EDA, It would be tasked with the responsibility similar to that of the Small Business Administration of giving loan guarantees for good energy projects involving the construction of additional energy projects primarily wind and geothermal. 

California already has a similar program operated by the Ibank agency called the CLEEN program which guarantees construction loans for green energy projects by government agencies, non profit corporations (as deemed eligible), municipalities, public universities, schools and hospitals however it does not cover renewable energy projects by private entities.. 

My EDA will guarantee building loans for such renewable energy projects to private businesses with state guarantees thus making the loans easier to get as lower down payments or perhaps none at all will be required. The development of a wind generation infrastructure is not being developed by public entities. It is only going to be done through a partnership with the private sector for which a loan guaranty program can be one factor

In addition to the loan guarantee program, I propose an initiative mandating that counties to adopt a renewable energy plan as a part of their general plan outlining their integration of a renewable energy production plan for their counties. Where consistent with environmental protection and in non municipal areas construction of renewable energy projects will be allowed if in accords with the general plan of the county and furtherance of the state goal of increased renewable energy production. 

It is to be hoped that together with the expansion of sites for renewable energy projects and loan guarantees for their construction, the effects of global warming and the dependence on fossil fuels may in California may begin a prolonged period of reduction.