HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 12-95 RESOLUTION NO. 12-95
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATASCADERO
COMMUNICATING CONCERNS REGARDING THE
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION'S
DE-REGULATION OF ELECTRICITY
In the matter of communicating the concerns of the City of Atascadero to the
California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Integrated Waste
Management Board (CIWMB) and the California Legislature regarding the closure or
threatened closure of the state's biomass power plants and corresponding impacts
upon the ability to comply with the state's AB 939 diversion goals.
WHEREAS, the City of Atascadero recognizes that increased competition in a
restructured electria"u-tilify industry promises benefits in the form of'much needed rate
relief for California ratepayers, but among the unintended consequences are negative
impacts associated with the state's waste management goals; and
WHEREAS, the state's existing biomass power plants bring immense benefits
to the entire state of California, including: the saving of landfill capacity and
compliance with AB 939; the generation of major tax revenue to local governments;
the generation of electricity from a renewable resource; the creation of jobs as well
as small businesses; air quality benefits due to reduced open-field burning of
agricultural waste and reduced methane emissions from landfills; and reduction of
forest fire hazards in rural counties; and
WHEREAS, the CPUC has proposed an overhaul of existing regulation of the
state's three investor-owned utilities that has destabilized the biomass sector and has
caused the utilities to close or curtail at least five existing biomass plants; and
WHEREAS, significant amounts of wood waste sent formerly to biomass power
plants is now being shipped to landfills; and
WHEREAS, California needs to retain private investment in chipping facilities
now associated with existing biomass power plants in order for mulching and
composting to be a viable enterprise; and
WHEREAS, there has been little analysis of the impacts of the CPUC proposal
on local governments, the biomass and composting industry or the CIWMB strategy
for attaining AB 939's 50% landfill diversion mandate by the year 2000.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Atascadero hereby expresses its concern over the impact of the CPUC proposed
electric utility restructuring on local governments and encourages consideration of the
broad social and environmental benefits provided by the biomass industry. Be it
further resolved that this resolution be sent to the California Public Utilities
Commission, California Integrated Waste Management Board and the State Legislature.
Resolution No. 12-95
Page 2
On motion by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Councilmember Luna the
foregoing resolution is--he-reby adopted in its entirety on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Luna, Highland and Mayor Bewley
NOES:
ABSENT: Councilmember Carden
DATE ADOPTED: February 28, 1995
ATT CITY OF ATASCADERO
By: 2
LEE PRICE, City Jerk R. DAVID BEWLEY, Ma
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
AR HER R. MOVTAaQON, City Attorney