Sacramento – On Saturday, Governor Brown signed AB 523, the Equity in Clean Energy Investments Act. The bill would dedicate at least 25% of available Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) funds for clean energy projects in disadvantaged communities, and an additional 10% in low-income households. The bill has been a priority of its author, Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-San Bernardino) and by its co-sponsors, the Women’s Policy Institute and the California Environmental Justice Alliance (CEJA).
“AB 523 is a critical step in ensuring a clean energy future for all communities, mandating that 25% of the money administered through the Electric Program Investment Charge be deployed in and benefit disadvantaged communities and 10% be deployed in and benefit low income communities,” said Assemblymember Reyes. “In addition, the bill requires the CEC to give the fullest possible consideration to localized health impacts when authorizing the deployment of these technologies, ensuring that the investment made in these communities provides the greatest benefit possible.”
“Although recent efforts from the California Energy Commission are encouraging when it comes to the inclusion of disadvantaged and low-income communities, AB 523 will ensure sustained investment in regions of our state that need it the most,” said Assemblymember Reyes.
The 47th Assembly District is disproportionately burdened with pollution, and is home to communities that should benefit from the resources provided by the legislation. AB 523 will help remove many of the barriers that limit residents from fully participating in energy programs, and will help the state move away from the use of dirty energy, like fossil fuels, toward clean and renewable energy that will lead to the improvement of our environment and health. These investments will also promote job development and economic growth throughout California. To learn more about AB 523 and to follow it online, click here.
Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes represents Assembly District 47 which includes the cities of Fontana, Rialto, Colton, Grand Terrace, San Bernardino and the unincorporated areas of Muscoy and Bloomington.
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