HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-01-10 - RESOLUTIONS - BIOMASS POWER PLANT CLOSURE (2)RESOLUTION NO. 95-12
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA,
LOCATED WITHIN THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
COMMUNICATING THE CITY'S CONCERNS REGARDING
CLOSURE OR THREATENED CLOSURE OF CALIFORNIA'S
BIOMASS POWER PLANTS AND CORRESPONDING
IMPACTS UPON THE ABILITY TO COMPLY WITH LANDFILL DIVERSION
GOALS AS OUTLINED IN ASSEMBLY BILL 939.
CHAPTER 1095, STATUES OF 1989.
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Clarita recognizes that increased competition in a restructured
electric utility industry promises benefits in the form of much needed rate relief for
California ratepayers, but among the unintended consequences are negative
impacts associated with the state's waste management goals;
WHEREAS, the state's existing biomass power plants bring immense benefits to the entire state
of California, including: the saving of landfill capacity and compliance with AB
939; the generation of major tax revenue to local governments; the generation of
_ electricity from a renewable resource; the creation of jobs as well as small
businesses; air quality benefits due to reduced open-field burning of agricultural
waste and reduced methane emissions from landfills; and reduction of forest fie
hazards in rural counties;
WHEREAS, the CPUC has proposed an overhaul of existing regulation of the state's three
investor-owned utilities that has destabilized the biomass sector and has caused the utilities
to closeor curtail at least five existing biomass plants;
WHEREAS, significant amounts of wood waste sent formerly to biomass power plants is now
being shipped to landfills;
WHEREAS, California needs to retain private investment in chipping facilities now associated
with existing biomass power plants in order for mulching and composting to be a
viable enterprise;
WHEREAS, there has been little analysis of the impacts of the CPUC proposal on local
governments, the biomass and composting industry or the CIWMB strategy for attaining
AB 939's 50% landfill diversion mandate by the year 2000;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of Santa Clarity hereby expresses
its concern over the impact of the CPUC proposed electric utility restructuring
on local governments and encourages protection of the broad social and
environmental benefits provided by the biomass industry. Be it further resolved
that this resolution be sent to the California Public Utilities Commission,
California Integrated Waste Management Board and the Members of the State
Legislature representing the City of Santa Clarita.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 10th day of January , 1995.
Anne Darcy, Mayor
ATTEST:
=' Donna M. Grin ey, City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES) ss
CITY OF SANTA CLARTTA )
I, Donna M. Grindey, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly
adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita at a regular meeting thereof,
held on the 10th day of January 1995.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Boyer, Heidt, Smyth, Pederson,Darcy
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT:
M. GRINDEY, CITY CLERK