“California is showing the world how to protect the economy, environment and habitat all at the same time,” Governor Schwarzenegger said. “We know our future is in clean power, clean energy and clean technology, and we are taking action so California will be able to meet its ambitious renewable energy and environmental goals. Today’s first-of-its-kind agreement with our federal partners will also create jobs and get projects moving while maintaining high environmental standards.”
The MOU commits the federal government to work with California on a science-based process for reviewing, approving and permitting renewable energy applications in California, which will greatly help the state achieve its goal of reaching 33% renewable energy by 2020. The DOI and California Natural Resources Agency will develop detailed maps of the best areas for development and conservation – allowing for expedited project siting and habitat protection. The agreement also facilitates the identification of transmission corridors by December 2010 and includes the Department of Defense (DOD) in the process because some transmission lines may need to cross DOD lands.
“With coordinated environmental studies, good land-use planning and zoning and priority processing, we can accelerate responsible renewable energy production on U.S. public lands in California,” Salazar said. “Together we can strengthen our nation’s and California’s energy security, protect our environment and help lay the foundation for a clean-energy economy for the 21st century.”
In addition to a broad commitment to work together, the parties of the MOU also agree to expedite projects that are on track to break ground by the end of 2010 and become eligible for more than $15 billion in Recovery Act funding. The Recovery Act specifically directs economic stimulus funding to qualified projects that begin construction by December 1, 2010. At the direction of the MOU, the Renewable Energy Policy Group will review a list of projects to be identified for this stimulus funding that if constructed, could add up to over 7,000 MW of new wind, solar and geothermal energy in California.
