Chapter 5Proposition 39 Implementation
Section § 26225
This law defines key terms used in a specific chapter. It clarifies that "Chancellor" refers to the head of California Community Colleges, "Energy Commission" is the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, "Local education agency" includes school districts, county offices of education, charter schools, and state special schools, and "Job Creation Fund" is the Clean Energy Job Creation Fund from Section 26205.
Section § 26227
This law outlines financial support for educational projects focused on energy conservation in California from 2013 to 2018. In the 2013–14 fiscal year, $28 million was designated for low-interest or no-interest loans and technical help for schools and colleges. This funding assists with costs not covered by other grants or incentives. From 2014 to 2018, the budget determined how much funding came from the Job Creation Fund. Any unused money after 2018 remains available for education projects in future years.
Section § 26227.2
The Clean Energy Job Creation Program, starting in the 2018-19 fiscal year, provides funding for projects that improve energy efficiency and increase clean energy in California, specifically to create jobs. The program is managed by state and local agencies experienced with energy projects. Projects must be chosen based on job creation, energy benefits, and cost-effectiveness, with some consideration of additional benefits like health and safety.
Projects require detailed contracts for specifications, costs, and projected savings, and are subject to auditing. Administrative costs cannot surpass 4% of total funding, and coordination with relevant commissions is needed to enhance efficiency.
Funding is allocated with 11% for community colleges and the remainder for local educational agencies (LEAs), divided based on school size. The Energy Commission can adjust allocations and may prioritize based on meal program data, geographic diversity, and regional workforce needs. LEAs must use their funds within nine months, and 'local educational agency' includes schools, school districts, county education offices, and state special schools.
Section § 26230
This law allocates three million dollars to the California Workforce Investment Board to create a grant program for organizations that train disadvantaged youth and veterans for jobs. The program focuses on job training in energy efficiency and clean energy.
The board must work with the Energy Commission and Public Utilities Commission to create a system for distributing grants to suitable organizations. Main considerations for awarding grants include hands-on skills in energy projects, work experience, recognized industry credentials, job placement potential, and partnerships with apprenticeship programs.
Section § 26233
This law describes how funds in the Job Creation Fund were distributed from 2013 to 2018. It explains that 89% of the funds go to local educational agencies, while 11% go to community college districts. For local agencies, the funds are mainly allocated based on student attendance with specific amounts given based on attendance size.
Additionally, some of the funds are allocated based on the number of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals. Local educational agencies receiving more than $1 million must use at least half on large projects that improve energy efficiency and create jobs.
Agencies could request early allocation funding but would forgo funding in the next year. All funds must be spent by June 30, 2019.
Section § 26235
This law outlines how the California Energy Commission, along with education and utility leaders, should create guidelines to improve energy efficiency in schools and community colleges. It includes standard methods for calculating energy savings and establishes qualifications for contractors without creating new licenses. The Commission will oversee projects to ensure they are cost-effective and environmentally beneficial. It encourages training for school employees on energy savings and emphasizes job creation from these projects. Data analytics can be used in evaluations, but must be pre-approved. Projects are chosen based on factors like facility age, modernization history, and expected return on investment. The Energy Commission requires an expenditure plan detailing each project before distributing funds, ensuring they meet established criteria. Additionally, funds can be combined with other incentives, and schools in privately owned facilities may need to repay funds if they vacate the property prematurely.
Section § 26237
The Energy Commission must keep a record of local education agencies and community colleges that get financial help like grants or loans. This information will be in a public and searchable database, showing key figures about how much these projects save in electricity, gas, and costs.
Section § 26240
This California law section governs the reporting requirements and financial accountability for entities receiving funds from the Job Creation Fund or related sources for projects, particularly for schools and community colleges.
These entities must authorize their energy usage data to be shared with the Energy Commission, report project costs and outcomes, including energy savings and employment effects, and submit this information for review. The Energy Commission will use this data to evaluate project effectiveness and energy savings, compiling annual reports.
The Citizens Oversight Board will summarize and share these findings with the Legislature. Additionally, the California Workforce Investment Board will assess employment impacts, while regular audits ensure funds are used correctly. If a project fails to adhere to these requirements, or if a facility funded by the grants is remodeled or sold, the funds must be repaid by the recipient educational institution.