Expansion Management

We Are Showing the World How It's Done, Says Governor Schwarzenegger

Oct. 14, 2009

On Monday, Oct. 12, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger shook hands with U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar to make sure that California gets its share of renewable energy projects.

"California is showing the world how to protect the economy, environment and habitat all at the same time," said Governor Schwarzenegger, in a statement. "We know our future is in clean power, clean energy and clean technology, and we are taking action so California will be able to meet its ambitious renewable energy and environmental goals." ( To view the article, which contained this quote click here)

California means business and is the first state to sign this type of agreement in order to partner with the government to develop long-term renewable energy plans. The idea is to move the projects through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act in order to receive the 30% federal tax credit.

The Governor is in a hurry as well. The parties agreed to expedite projects that are on track to break ground by the end of 2010 and become eligible for more than $15 billion in Recovery Act funding.

But the Governor is working hard on his end and last month signed an executive order directing the California Air Resources Board to adopt regulations increasing California's Renewable Portfolio Standard to 33% by 2020.

Last year California was very productive in this field and passed three bills (AB 1451, AB 2466 and AB 2267.) One bill increased solar power via continuing a property tax exclusion for projects that utilize solar panel energy and also expanded the exclusion to builder-installed solar energy systems in new homes.

Another bill directed the California Public Utilities Commission to grant incentives to eligible California-technology manufacturers.

And the third bill allowed local governments to receive utility bill credit for surplus renewable electricity generated at one site against the electricity consumption at other sites.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko Blog | Senior Editor

Focus: Expansion Management & the Biotech & Life Sciences Industries

Email: [email protected]

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Senior Editor Adrienne Selko manages IndustryWeek’s Expansion Management, delivering ideas and information about how successful manufacturers leverage location to gain competitive advantage. She explores the strategies behind why companies located their headquarters, research institutes, factories, warehouse and distribution centers and other facilities where they did, and how they benefit from the decision.

Adrienne is also the editorial coordinator of the IndustryWeek Expansion Management Roundtable events, which unites economic development professionals to network and discuss the latest trends in site location.

As well, Adrienne tells the stories of successful companies in the biotechnology and life sciences industries.

In the past, Adrienne has managed IndustryWeek’s award-winning website, overseeing eNewletters, webinars, and contributed content. Before joining the staff, Adrienne was managing editor of corporate publications at a large regional financial institution. She also ran a public relations and marketing company that published a best-selling healthcare book.

Adrienne received a bachelor’s of business administration from the University of Michigan and is especially interested in wellness and natural health.