Friday Morning Buzz.

Two items of note this Friday morning:

Tehachapi Gets PUC Approval:

The California Public Utilities Commission on Thursday approved Southern California Edison's application to build the first segment of the proposed $1.8 billion Tehachapi renewable transmission project.

Once finished, the project will consist of new transmission lines capable of carrying 4500 MW of power generated from new wind power and other generation facilities. This is the first of a three-part project that still requires Forest Service approval for a 26 mile, 500 kilovolt transmission line that would connect substations in Lancaster and Santa Clarita.

Mr. Perata Goes To Washington:

Senate President pro Tem Don Perata testified yesterday before the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee chaired by Sen. Barbara Boxer on California’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In his remarks, Perata told senators that federal actions should not pre-empt state efforts to combat global warming. In addition, Perata stressed the work California has already done promoting cleaner coal energy production by passing SB1368, which prohibits utilities from entering into long-term contracts for power produced by dirty coal-burning plants.

CPUC OKs 1st segment of SCE Calif Tehachapi project [Reuters]

Perata's Testimony Before Congress on Global Warming [California Progress Report]