Utility backs green measure

The California Public Utilities Commission projects that private utilities will not reach the 2010 goal until 2013 and would have to increase their renewable energy production at that point by 68% in order to meet the proposed 2020 target.

Despite the slow growth in statewide green energy production, Krekorian was confident that his legislation would speed the approval of crucial projects to help the state reach the goals.

One possible catalyst for accelerated development might be a federal liaison, which is envisioned as a component of the authority, to help navigate jurisdictional quandaries, Krekorian said.

Still, the lofty mandates would not be easy to reach, he said.

“They’re aggressive,” Krekorian said of the proposed targets.

“There’s no question that they’re going to be aggressive, and that’s why we have to work hard to make sure that we get it right to prevent barriers.”

 ZAIN SHAUK covers education. He may be reached at (818) 637-3238 or by e-mail at zain.shauk@latimes.com.