Streamlining Permitting Of Power Plants

Assemblyman Anthony Peschetti, R-Sacramento, is drafting a bill that would speed the construction of power plants to bolster California's shaky energy supply. While environmentalists are wary, they state support of streamlining the process, as long as it does not compromise environmental regulations. The bill would limit the permit processing time by the California Energy Commission to six months, which is half the time currently allowed. However, Peschetti does not know what shortcuts will be taken to accomplish this goal. Republicans assert the public review process causes extensive delays that could be bypassed. Ralph Cavanaugh of the Natural Resources Defense Council emphasizes that conservation is the most important tool, as there are a sufficient number of power plants already in the works to meet increasing energy demands. He supports a bill by Assemblyman Roderick Wright, D-Los Angeles, that extends for 10 years more a 4-year-old fund for energy efficiency programs and the creation of renewable energy sources.

Thanks to California 2000 Project