AB 1937 Summary

• Requires electrical corporations to actively seek bids for non-gas-fired generating units in communities with cumulative pollution burdens (high levels of toxic air contaminants, criteria air pollutants, and greenhouse gases) when soliciting bids for new gas-fired units.

• Mandates electrical corporations give preference to non-gas-fired resources located in disadvantaged communities when considering or negotiating contracts for new gas-fired generating units.

• Clarifies that preferences for renewable energy projects benefiting low-income or high-pollution communities apply to all renewable energy procurement methods, including all-source requests for offers, renewable-only requests for offers, and other procurement mechanisms.

• Requires the Public Utilities Commission to verify that electrical corporations comply with their approved procurement plans before approving any new gas-fired generating unit contracts, effective January 1, 2017.

• Specifies that no state reimbursement is required for costs incurred as the bill only creates criminal liability for violations of Public Utilities Commission orders implementing these procurement requirements.