A bill to allow desalinization plants in California to have
access to cheaper energy has passed out of two important Assembly
policy committees this week.
A bill to allow desalinization plants in California to have access to cheaper energy has passed out of two important Assembly policy committees this week.
The bill, AB 2918, by Assemblymember John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) would allow the Public Utility Commission to consider a lower rate for electricity to desalinization plants. High power usage and cost is one of the drawbacks to desalinization of seawater. By allowing desalinization plants to buy power without having to pay for the repayment costs related to the energy crisis would make desalinated water more affordable to jurisdictions considering such proposals.
“Given the need for a reliable water source in the 27th Assembly District, and indeed all of California, I felt it was important to draft legislation that would actually do something to address our water needs in a positive way. It is time to focus on the details of constructing a successful water project.”
Several desalinization plants are being considered in the Monterey Bay area.
AB 2918, which passed the Utilities and Commerce Committee on Monday, and the Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee on Tuesday will next be heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
