HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter of Support - Energy Efficiency Gas Surcharge FundCITY OF PALM DESERT
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: APPROVE A LETTER TO ASSEMBLYMAN NESTANDE AND
SENATOR EMMERSON SUPPORTING CONTINUATION OF THE
ENERGY EFFICIENCY GAS SURCHARGE FUND
SUBMITTED BY: Gary Rosenblum, Risk Manager/ Legislative Analyst
DATE: September 1, 2011
CONTENTS: Recommended Letter of Request
Recommendation
By Minute Motion, approve the recommended letter of Request to
Assemblyman Nestande and Senator Emmerson.
Background
State law currently places a Surcharge on natural gas paid by users and collected
through their gas utility bills. The law imposes this surcharge to create and maintain a
special fund to assist residential and business gas customers through subsidizing
energy efficiency equipment installation and various incentives and rebates. The
recently passed State budget has taken the money from this fund to balance the
budget, which essentially de -funds the energy efficiency programs. These energy
efficiency programs are strongly supported by the City and, therefore, the letter being
recommended for our local Sacramento representatives will emphasize our support of
any legislative bills such as SB 983 and others that would protect the gas surcharge
fund and keep it for its intended purpose.
This issue has come to our attention in the time since the last Legislative Review
Committee meeting was held, so that committee has not had a chance to provide a
recommendation.
Staff Report: Letter in Support of SB 983
Page Two
September 8, 2011
Fiscal Analysis
There is no direct fiscal impact of this letter of request by the City.
Submitted By:
Gary Rosenblum, Risk Manager/ Legislative Liasion
Approval:
Paul S Gibson, Director of Finance
Wohlmuth, City Manager
APPROVED DFNIFD
RECEIVED OTHER
ME ING DATE Q� ' !1..�,
AYF,S:
NOF,S:
ABSENT: k--
ABSTAIN:
VERIFIED BY: _._._._.
Original on File with Ci lerk's Office
September 1, 2011
Assemblyman Nestande/Senator Emmerson
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, California 95814
Dear Assemblyman Nestande/Emmerson:
State law currently places a Surcharge on natural gas paid by users
and collected through their gas utility bills. The law imposes this
surcharge to create and maintain a special fund to assist residential
and business gas customers such through subsidizing energy
efficiency equipment installation, and various incentives and rebates.
The recently passed State budget has taken the money from this fund
to balance the budget, and essentially de -funds the energy efficiency
programs. These energy efficiency programs are strongly supported
by the City and, therefore, we wish to emphasize our support of any
legislative bills such as SB 983 and others that would protect the gas
surcharge fund and keep it for its intended purpose.
Please do not hesitate to contact my office or the City's Legislative
Analyst, Gary Rosenblum, if we can be of assistance to you.
Sincerely,
JEAN M. BENSON
Mayor
cc: John Wohlmuth, City Manager