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State alternative fuels program could spur economic growth(Fresno Bee (CA) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Feb. 11--A seven-year jump-start for alternative fuels is expected to not only launch California toward dramatic reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, but may ignite a surge of "green" economic development in the state, supporters say. About two dozen people from environmental groups, local government, businesses and the energy industry attended a California Energy Commission workshop in Fresno -- the first of four public sessions planned around the state to highlight a $176 million investment plan for the first two years of the state's Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program. Another workshop is today in San Jose and two next week are in Los Angeles County. "This is an all-stakes game," said Peter Ward, the alternative fuel manager for the California Energy Commission. "We could lose the planet here ... if we don't act quickly and decisively." The program was established by law in 2007 to reduce pollution that contributes to climate change and promote the development of alternative fuels. The draft investment plan, which could be finalized and adopted next month by the five-member commission, includes: Rebates to help offset the added cost of buying low-emission vehicles. Funds to support new technology such as hydrogen, plug-in electric and other alternative-energy vehicles. Incentives for local governments and industries to upgrade their heavy-duty vehicle fleets. Promoting sustainable new crops in the state for the production of biodiesel and ethanol. Partially underwriting the cost of alternative-fuel stations and infrastructure. Training a work force versed in new technology. About $120 million per year is planned over the seven-year life of the program. "We've never had this level of funding, or this level for this many years," Ward said. Ward said he expects the commission to begin funding specific project requests in May if the plan is approved. He added that the commission will be working with air-pollution districts and the federal government to stretch the dollars. Samir Sheikh, director of emission-reduction incentives for the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, said his agency's grant programs already have a queue of pollution-reduction projects for $200 million that the local district cannot fund. Many of those, he said, may meet the state's goals as well as those of the local district. The reporter can be reached at [email protected] or (559) 441-6319. To see more of The Fresno Bee, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.fresnobee.com Copyright (c) 2009, The Fresno Bee, Calif. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. |