SACRAMENTO — Assemblyman Mark Leno’s AB 2573, which will enable the City of San Francisco to install large-scale solar projects at locations best suited for solar generation, was passed by the State Assembly and is headed to the Governor’s desk for his signature.  This bill will enable San Francisco to implement its $100 million solar revenue bond authored by then Supervisor Leno in 2001.

“AB 2573 will allow solar facilities to be built at City locations such as reservoirs, rooftops and open spaces, where they can most efficiently produce electricity,” said Assemblyman Mark Leno.  “By building large scale sources of renewable energy to power our schools, fire houses, and public transit, we protect the environment and increase our energy independence."

Currently the City has the option to generate solar power at sites that consume large amounts of electricity, such as Moscone Center or the Southeast Wastewater Treatment Plant. Under current law, if the City wanted to generate power on a remote site that consumes little or no power – such as a reservoir, a parking structure or on an open space – the surplus power must be given to PG&E without remuneration. AB 2573 requires PG&E to compensate the City for solar power generated at one municipal site with equivalent power consumed at another municipal site.

“AB 2573 is another major step towards cleaner power and energy self-sufficiency for San Francisco,” said Susan Leal, General Manager of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. “We are not just ‘talking the talk,’ but taking real action to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and power our City through clean, renewable energies.”

The bill is supported by numerous solar and environmental organizations as well as the League of California Cities. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has until September 30th to sign or veto the bill.

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