TheBakersfieldCalifornian.com

BY michael rubio

During the past year, there has been much talk in Sacramento -- on both sides of the aisle -- about making state government more efficient and streamlining the permitting process for projects that will create jobs. In the last weeks of session, we took action.

 Just a few days ago, the Legislature sent Gov. Jerry Brown SB 16 for his consideration and signature. I introduced this important bill on the day I was sworn into the state Senate less than a year ago.

SB 16, which passed both legislative houses with strong bipartisan support, sets up an expedited process for the review and issuance of permits within the Department of Fish and Game for renewable energy projects.  In Kern County alone, there are more than 1,800 megawatts of wind and solar photovoltaic energy projects awaiting construction. The average timeline for Fish and Game to issue incidental take permits has, until now, been six months. 

 SB 16 is coupled with AB x1 13 by Assemblyman V. Manuel Pérez, D-Coachella, which was signed into law in late August. ABx1 13 streamlines the siting and permitting process for renewable projects in the state's Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan area. 

 The benefits of streamlining these delayed renewable energy projects are endless. From creating high-paying construction and permanent jobs to continuing to make Kern County a renewable energy mecca, our local economy benefits most. These projects will also be paying millions in property taxes to the county to enhance fire and public safety, build and maintain critical roads and protect other important priorities for Kern County residents.

 Unfortunately, investors in renewable projects are oftentimes reluctant to invest due to fear of frivolous lawsuits that cause uncertainty as to when they will likely be able to start construction.  

 To solve this issue, the Legislature also passed AB 900, which I co-authored. This landmark legislation secures the thorough environmental review (also known as CEQA), but also provides a critical expedited judicial process. Projects that historically could face three to five years of lawsuits will now be decided in fewer than 175 days.

 As we await the governor's signature, these important pieces of legislation will strongly support recent studies that suggest that more than 50,000 renewable energy jobs could potentially be created right here in the Central Valley and establish a more business friendly environment in California.

 For years, I have heard that Sacramento oftentimes stands in the way of creating jobs and getting projects off the ground -- with little to no action by our elected representatives. SB 16, AB 1x 13 and AB 900 together provide a clear path toward enabling renewable projects to do what they do best: generate jobs by harnessing nature's power and putting it to work right here in Kern County.

-- State Sen. Michael Rubio, D-Shafter, is one of four local elected officials writing about their work in The Californian. These are Rubio's opinions, not necessarily The Californian's. Next Sunday: Assemblywoman Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield.