American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan: energy activities, programs, or projects.

(1) Existing law requires the Public Utilities Commission, the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission (Energy Commission) , and the Department of Water Resources to undertake various programs related to energy and water conservation. This bill would require that any moneys received by the state pursuant to the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 that are directed for energy-related activities, programs, or projects, be administered by the state's energy and water agencies, and provide that those activities, programs, or projects should adhere to the principle of accountability while also adhering to existing state policies to promote energy efficiency, promote water conservation, promote the development and use of renewable energy resources, protect the environment, and provide green job training. (2) Existing law requires the Energy Commission to administer funds allocated to and received by the state pursuant to the federal Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Existing law provides that not more than 5% of the funds received is to be expended for administrative expenses. This bill would additionally require the Energy Commission to administer funds allocated and received by the state pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and would increase the amount expended for administration expenses for these 2 purposes to not more than 10%. The bill would authorize the Energy Commission to adopt guidelines governing the awarding, eligibility, and administration of those federal funds. (3) The California Constitution authorizes the Governor to declare a fiscal emergency and to call the Legislature into special session for that purpose. The Governor issued a proclamation declaring a fiscal emergency, and calling a special session for this purpose, on December 19, 2008. This bill would state that it addresses the fiscal emergency declared by the Governor by proclamation issued on December 19, 2008, pursuant to the California Constitution.