Good Jobs and Green Energy Act

Overview

If approved by voters in the March 2009 special election, the Green Energy and Good Jobs for Los Angeles Act would require installation of solar panels on rooftops by the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power to produce 400 megawatts per year by 2014, a program to recruit and train city residents for jobs related to LADWP’s solar systems, and contract bid preferences and other incentives to support existing solar power manufacturers.

The program aims to reduce Los Angeles’ reliance on nonrenewable energies and the strain on current power infrastructure. Some opponents contend that the program will pass along rate increases to customers. But LADWP officials say that the initiative will not place any additional burden on ratepayers. 

The proposal, as structured, locks out private sector solar companies from providing renewable energy to DWP.  It relies solely on LADWP employees to meet the proposed solar goals. LADWP is unlikely to be able to hire enough employees or install enough solar infrastructure to meet the goals of this measure at a competitive cost.

Read the Chamber's position letter and suggested amendments

The Latest

• L.A. City releases comprehensive solar plan on Nov. 24, 2008
• The Chamber's Energy, Water & Environment Committee voted Oct. 23, 2008 to recommend to the Chamber's Board of Directors to oppose the Green Energy and Good Jobs Initiative unless amended to include the private sector in providing distributed solar generation within the program goals.
• L.A. City Councilmember Wendy Greuel introduced her motion on Oct. 28, 2008 to move forward with the approval process
• L.A. City Council instructed the City Attorney on Nov. 7, 2008 to draft full language for the ballot measure and voted to place the measure on the March 2009 special election ballot

Resources

L.A. City Comprehensive Solar Plan

Original City Council Motion

LADWP Report

"Mayor backs solar plan" Los Angeles Times, Oct. 15, 2008

"L.A. council orders solar rooftop measure drafted" Los Angeles Times, Oct. 28, 2008

"L.A. solar plan could raise DWP rates 2% to 8% through 2012" Los Angeles Times, Nov. 7, 2008

"Hot over solar" Los Angeles Times Letter to the Editor, Nov. 5, 2008

"Shadow over solar power in L.A." Los Angeles Times Editorial, Nov. 7, 2008

"A Solar Plan for the City" KPCC's Pat Morrison Interview with Gary Toebben, Nov. 7, 2008

"Villaraigosa Unveils Solar Plan for Los Angeles" Los Angeles Times, Nov. 25, 2008
 

For more information, contact Senior Public Policy Manager Alex Pugh, 213.580.7558 or click to send message.