To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: TED SEMAAN, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
TITLE
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DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTING A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING BALANCED ENERGY SOLUTIONS AND MAINTAINING LOCAL CONTROL OF ENERGY SOLUTIONS
ADOPT BY TITLE ONLY RESOLUTION NO. CC-2010-071, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA, SUPPORTING BALANCED ENERGY SOLUTIONS AND MAINTAINING LOCAL CONTROL OF ENERGY SOLUTIONS
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This item is brought to the City Council as a policy matter related to how to best achieve the State’s climate goals through the use of clean energy. South Bay cities are in the process of considering adoption of the attached Resolution supporting balanced energy solutions and maintaining local control of energy solutions.
BACKGROUND
California’s energy policies are critical in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing the impact of climate change on our citizens. The City of Redondo Beach has been supportive of the State’s goal to be carbon-neutral by 2045. However, the State legislature and other State agencies are increasingly proposing new legislation and regulations that eliminate choice of energy in order to achieve climate goals. Recent actions of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) have mandated electrification to achieve carbon-neutrality. There is growing concern that the CPUC’s actions may suppress energy innovation and impact local jurisdiction over energy solutions. For example, the CPUC recently implemented a program in which financial incentives are offered to Californians rebuilding homes damaged by wild fires, provided that appliances are converted from natural gas to electricity.
The Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce and the South Bay Association of Chambers of Commerce have requested that the City adopt a resolution supporting balanced energy solutions and maintaining local control of energy solutions. A draft resolution is attached for the City Council’s consideration. The cities of El Segundo, Hawthorne and Rancho Palos Verdes have adopted similar resolutions and several others in the South Bay are considering doing so.
On July 13, 2020, the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) Steering Committee discussed and recommended support of the resolution on a 6 - 4 vote, with Councilmember Horvath dissenting. The Steering Committee meeting minutes are attached for reference. The SBCCOG Board has not yet taken a position on adopting the balanced energy resolution and have programmed its consideration at their November 2020 Board meeting.
COORDINATION
The Public Works Department coordinated this item. The City Attorney’s office prepared and approved the Resolution as to form.
FISCAL IMPACT
There are no fiscal impacts associated with the recommended action.
APPROVED BY:
Joe Hoefgen, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
• Resolution
• SBCCOG Steering Committee Minutes
• Related Letters and Articles