California Democrats Seeing $5 Billion of 'Green'

SAN FRANCISCO - California Senate Democrats have unveiled a "green economy" package of legislation that includes $5 billion of new bond authorizations.

The four bills in the package would encourage the development of environmental technologies along with the associated industries and jobs, backers said Thursday.

Two of the bills would authorize general obligation bonds.

A bill by Sen. Darrell Steinberg of Sacramento would authorize $3 billion of state bonds to develop renewable energy, energy efficiency, conservation jobs, and educational and worker training.

"My bond proposal, SB 1672, is an investment in California to ensure we keep pace with the rest of the world - an economic investment in our children and in our most cutting-edge businesses," he said in a news release.

Sen. Christine Kehoe of San Diego is carrying SB 1670, a bill for Treasurer Bill Lockyer that would authorize $2 billion of state GOs to finance an "energy efficiency and carbon reduction state building trust fund."

Proceeds would be used for projects to reduce energy needed for state government-owned and occupied buildings, and assist schools in financing energy-efficiency measures.

"These bills help advance environmentally friendly technologies and keep California at the forefront of global efforts to protect the environment and prepare for the future," said Senate President pro tempore Don Perata.

A two-thirds vote in each chamber of the Legislature is needed to place a state GO measure on the ballot, where it must be approved by a majority of voters.

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