Local Government Commission

Local Government Sustainable Energy Coalition

 

Since the energy crisis of 2000-01, local governments have taken greater interest in the availability and reliability of energy in their communities. In recent years, agencies around the state have undertaken various steps to reduce the costs and consumption of energy, and to reduce greenhouse gases.

The Local Government Sustainable Energy Coalition (LGSEC) is an association of California public entities formed to share information and resources to strengthen and leverage their communities' commitment to a sustainable energy future. That commitment is to manage today's energy uses and resources in ways that do not compromise the environment's capacity, or the community's ability to meet the needs of future generations.

Core strategies are to moderate energy demand through energy efficiency, increase renewable energy production, and improve energy security and reliability, while instilling environmental values that lead to community well-being.

LGSEC's Mission

  • To provide a central resource to help California local governments stay informed of energy policy, regulatory and market developments affecting their interests.
  • To expand local government competence to shape those developments.
  • To share energy experience and expertise that can benefit other communities.
  • To leverage resources to advocate in public forums for policies and programs that support local sustainability initiatives.
  • To empower local public entities to speak with a credible and cohesive voice on energy matters affecting their communities and constituencies.

Proposed Activities and Benefits of LGSEC

As its funding and capabilities permit, the LGSEC will develop a web-based system accessible to participating entities that will monitor, analyze and report on important energy policy, regulatory, and market developments likely to impact their activities and constituents.

The coalition will identify opportunities to articulate and advance Coalition interests through correspondence and discussions with responsible public agencies (at all levels) and officials, and organize presentations, meetings and other gatherings for that purpose. The Coalition may intervene in proceedings where their interest and funding allows.

The work of the LGSEC is unduplicated and will provide local entities that would otherwise not have access to such proceedings, the opportunity to understand and participate in the regulatory processes that affect local residents, businesses and sustainable community development.

Examples of LGSEC focus:

  1. Establish Coalition priorities and represent Coalition interests in Administrative Proceedings (PDF) before California state agencies such as the Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), Energy Commission (CEC), Air Resources Board, and others that address energy and related environmental issues that affect member entities and their constituents.

    2. Examples include:

    • Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32)
    • CPUC post-2005 Energy Efficiency proceedings
    • California Solar Initiative proceedings
    • CPUC Water Action Plan & CEC Water & Energy RD&D
    • CPUC & CEC Distributed Resource proceeding
    • Greenbuilding initiative

  2. Provide member entities and their representatives with technical and policy expertise on selected legislative proposals affecting local and regional energy interests.

  3. Enhance local government capabilities to integrate energy efficiency initiatives with demand response and the development of clean, efficient local energy supply options from renewable, recyclable and waste resources.

  4. Undertake other activities that honor its Principles (PDF), advance its Mission (PDF), and strengthen the voices of member entities, as determined from time to time by its Governing Board.

Structure and Governance

For ease of formation and administration and to maintain flexibility, the LGSEC is structured as an unincorporated association of local public entities whose membership, benefits and responsibilities are governed by the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding (PDF) and a set of Bylaws (PDF).

The Bylaws provide for benefits, and annual dues that vary depending on the type of membership and the population represented. The Bylaws also define the roles, responsibilities and composition of a Governing Board and an Executive Committee to guide and direct the Coalition's activities, and provide for withdrawal from and termination of participation in the Coalition.

For more information, please contact:

Patrick Stoner
Local Government Commission
1303 J Street, Suite 250
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-448-1198, ext 309
pstoner@lgc.org

LGSEC