Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (D-70th District) introduced legislation last week to help make California ports greener and more energy-efficient. Assembly Bill 678 would create the Energy Efficient Ports Program, which would assist in funding energy-efficiency upgrades and investments at California’s public ports, according to O’Donnell’s office.
“We currently provide financial assistance to other public entities to cut their energy usage,” O’Donnell said. “Upgrading and investing in the energy infrastructure of our ports is long overdue and will ultimately make them more competitive ensuring a bright future.”
Current law provides financial assistance for energy-efficient upgrades and investments to several public entities in the state, including education, cities and counties, utilities and hospitals. Despite significant opportunities for energy saving in California ports, these facilities do not qualify for the same assistance as other public entities, according to O’Donnell’s office.
“The Energy Efficiency Ports Program would fund improvements, including the installation of solar panels at marine terminals and freight facilities, the replacement of conventional lighting and other efficiency measures,” O’Donnell said.
The increased efficiency from these important installations will help lessen demand on the regional power grid, save money and “green” our ports, O’Donnell said.
“We can improve our port infrastructure and further reduce the environmental impacts of port operations by investing in renewable energy,” said John McLaurin, president of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association. “We are looking forward to working with Assemblymember O’Donnell on AB 678 and bringing state resources to our local ports for these energy-efficiency projects.”
Source: O’Donnell’s office
