High-speed rail: power supply.

Existing law creates the High-Speed Rail Authority to develop and implement a high-speed rail system in the state, with specified powers and duties. Existing law, pursuant to the Safe, Reliable High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Act for the 21st Century, approved by the voters as Proposition 1A at the November 4, 2008, general election, provides for the issuance of $9.95 billion in general obligation bonds for high-speed rail and related purposes. Various federal laws provide funding for allocation nationally to high-speed rail and other related projects. This bill would require the California Research Bureau, by May 1, 2012, to develop an energy consumption profile that includes a forecast of the power needs of the high-speed rail system and an analysis of any recommendations for identifying a carbon-free baseline power supply for the system. The bureau's work would be done in consultation with the High-Speed Rail Authority, the Federal Railroad Administration, the Public Utilities Commission, the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, the United States Department of Energy, and the Legislative Analyst's Office. The bill would require the bureau to submit its report to the authority, the authority's independent peer review group, and specified committees of the Legislature. The bill would also make legislative findings and declarations.