Bipartisan consensus for LNG?

Energize California's Jean Munoz gives a second-hand report on an energy conference held last Friday:

Last Friday a close associate attended an energy conference and reported back a variety of interesting topics of discussion on LNG and alternative energy, or "renewables."

Attorney General Bill Lockyer talked openly about the need for LNG and also the necessity "to get moving" on LNG projects in the state due to the potential for another energy crisis…since he is a leading contender for Governor and arguably he could be running against Governor Schwarzenegger in 2006, that means there appears to be a consensus building on the subject - cutting across partisan lines.

Governor Swarzenegger's representative Dennis Albiani talked about an "impending energy crisis" and the need for an appropriate mix of conservation, renewables, and demand side management as important to fixing the problem but also that the Governor has the goal of keeping power generators in-state --- "10 players in 10 years" --- was his mantra. Albiani reiterated one of Arnold's campaign promises that the Governor has "a true commitment to make renewables 20% of the state's energy portfolio by 2010…other goals include fixing the energy procurement process, moving municipal utilities towards using more renewables in their portfolios…Governor also working with other Western states governors to add a significant chunk of renewable power in the west…Albiani said that after the Governor is done with the California Performance Review that the Governor will turn his full attention to energy market restructuring with a significant emphasis on diversifying energy markets, fuel sources…he'll try first through legislation and then through the Little Hoover Commission process.

Interesting developments….sounds like bi-partisan consensus is starting to build at the highest level of governments on 1) the need for some level of renewables in the state's energy portfolio and 2) the recognition of the necessity of LNG in the state's energy future...

If you are not reading her website, you should check in regularly for updates on LNG, renewable energy and California's future...and I'm not saying that just because this site is listed under Energy News and Views!