This law establishes the Sonoma County Regional Climate Protection Authority, which is referred to as the 'authority' within this division of the code.

This law states that there is a public authority that operates under the same board as the Sonoma County Transportation Authority. However, it is important to note that this authority is a completely separate entity from the Sonoma County Transportation Authority.

This law allows an authority to work with local agencies in Sonoma County to help them achieve their greenhouse gas emission reduction goals as outlined in their plans. The authority can also help implement programs that comply with a 2006 state law and other laws addressing climate change and greenhouse gases. Local agencies can include cities, counties, school districts, and other public bodies.

This section outlines a variety of activities that are allowed under a related law (Section 181003), which focuses on environmental initiatives. These activities include reducing energy use, managing energy efficiency projects, improving how water is used efficiently, exploring carbon capture methods, administering grants to local groups, promoting alternative transportation, and tracking greenhouse gas reduction efforts.

This law states that the authority must create rules for how it conducts its proceedings, and these rules must align with state laws.

In order for the authority to conduct official business, more than half of its members need to be present. Any decisions or official actions taken by the authority require a yes vote from the majority of its members.

This section states that any actions taken by the authority must be formally expressed through one of the following methods: a motion, a resolution, or an ordinance.

This law mandates that all meetings held by the authority must follow certain rules outlined in a specific part of the Government Code. These rules ensure meetings are conducted openly and transparently.

This section outlines the responsibilities of an authority, requiring them to do four main things. First, they must create an annual budget. Second, they need to establish rules and procedures for how they operate, including the roles of their officers and employees. Third, they are to conduct an annual financial audit performed by a certified accountant. Lastly, they are empowered to take any actions needed to fulfill their duties.

The authority members will be paid a compensation set by the authority itself. They will also get reimbursed for necessary and reasonable expenses they incur while carrying out their duties.

This section outlines the requirements for a public hearing regarding the adoption of the annual budget. It mandates that a notice about the hearing, including the time and place, must be published at least 15 days in advance as per the Government Code. Additionally, the proposed budget must be accessible for the public to inspect at least 15 days before the hearing takes place.

This section explains that the authority, which is a particular legal entity or agency, has the right to both initiate legal actions (sue) and be the target of legal actions (be sued). These actions can take place in any court or tribunal that has the appropriate authority to hear the case, unless another law says otherwise.

This law explains that any claims for money or damages against a specific authority must follow the rules set out in a section of the Government Code, unless another specific statute or regulation applies. It’s essentially saying, 'If you want to claim money or damages from this authority, there’s a guide you generally need to follow.'

This law section states that the authority can apply for and receive funds to perform its duties, but these funds must be kept in a separate account. It also specifies that transportation funds should only be used for transportation-related activities of the authority. Additionally, funds from Sonoma County's Traffic Relief Act (Measure M) cannot be used for the authority's purposes.

This section means that whatever rules or actions are in this division, they do not override or disrupt what other local agencies are doing. Each local agency's activities, plans, or decisions remain unaffected and independent.