XTC
07-08-2005, 02:06 PM
Looks like Arnold is now realizing his huge disaproval ratings and is becoming more blue to gather up votes.
A bill supported by Gov.Arnold Schwarzenegger to sharply expand the use of solar power in California was approved late on Wednesday by a state Assembly committee.
The measure aims to put photovoltaic solar panels on the rooftops of one million new homes and businesses in the next 10 years, raising California's solar generation from a current 100 megawatts to more than 3,000 megawatts, equivalent to 30 new "peaking" plants to deliver power during high-demand periods.
Supporters say the bill will reduce the cost of solar energy and bring clean air and energy independence to California.
Electric utilities, manufacturing groups, and other opponents say the measure is too costly at an estimated $2.5 billion.
In passing the bill, the Assembly's Utilities and Commerce Committee required that solar panels be made available for affordable housing and for low-income utility customers to be exempt from paying into a solar energy fund, an aide to Democrat Sen. Kevin Murray said.
Murray and Republican Sen. John Campbell wrote the measure, which faces hearings in two other Assembly committees before a vote in late August.
The measure has already passed the state Senate.
A bill supported by Gov.Arnold Schwarzenegger to sharply expand the use of solar power in California was approved late on Wednesday by a state Assembly committee.
The measure aims to put photovoltaic solar panels on the rooftops of one million new homes and businesses in the next 10 years, raising California's solar generation from a current 100 megawatts to more than 3,000 megawatts, equivalent to 30 new "peaking" plants to deliver power during high-demand periods.
Supporters say the bill will reduce the cost of solar energy and bring clean air and energy independence to California.
Electric utilities, manufacturing groups, and other opponents say the measure is too costly at an estimated $2.5 billion.
In passing the bill, the Assembly's Utilities and Commerce Committee required that solar panels be made available for affordable housing and for low-income utility customers to be exempt from paying into a solar energy fund, an aide to Democrat Sen. Kevin Murray said.
Murray and Republican Sen. John Campbell wrote the measure, which faces hearings in two other Assembly committees before a vote in late August.
The measure has already passed the state Senate.