Currents

An Energy Newsletter for Local Governments

Update on Local Government Sustainable Energy Coalition

The Local Government Sustainable Energy Coalition (LGSEC) will be an association of California public entities formed to share information and resources to strengthen and leverage their communities’ commitments to a sustainable energy future — a future that provides for essential energy resources, restrains energy demand, increases energy efficiency and renewable energy production, and improves energy security and reliability, while enhancing environmental values and community well-being.

Right now there are several state-level proceedings that will affect local governments: implementation of AB32 the Global Warming Solutions Act, 2009-2011 Energy Efficiency Program design, and Community Choice Aggregation to name a few. Local governments should be at the table as those decisions are being made. You can bet that other stakeholders including utilities, manufacturers, and trade associations will be working to ensure favorable decisions.

NOW is the time to act, rather than waiting to react after the fact.

LGSEC’s mission will be to provide a central resource to help California cities, special districts, counties and regional governments to:

• Stay informed of energy policy, regulatory and market developments affecting their interests;
• Expand local competence to shape energy issues and developments;
• Share energy experience and expertise that can benefit other communities;
• Leverage their resources to inform and advocate in public forums for energy policies and programs that support local sustainability initiatives; and
• Empower them to speak with a credible and cohesive voice on energy matters affecting their communities.

LGSEC will be a coalition of like-minded local governments that believe that local governments can increase their influence on the impacts, availability and reliability of future energy use in California by speaking with one voice at regional, state, and federal venues. If you would like to learn more about LGSEC, or have ideas or comments to share on what we have developed so far, please contact Pat Stoner, Local Government Commission, pstoner@lgc.org, or call (916) 448-1198, ext 309.

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