Bill Text: CA AB277 | 2011-2012 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: High-speed rail: power supply.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2012-02-01 - Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution. From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56. [AB277 Detail]
Download: California-2011-AB277-Amended.html
BILL NUMBER: AB 277 AMENDED
BILL TEXT
AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY APRIL 7, 2011
AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY MARCH 14, 2011
INTRODUCED BY Assembly Member Galgiani
(Coauthor: Senator Kehoe)
FEBRUARY 7, 2011
An act to add Section 2704.78 to the Streets and Highways Code,
relating to high-speed rail.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
AB 277, as amended, Galgiani. High-speed rail: power supply.
Existing law creates the High-Speed Rail Authority to develop and
implement a high-speed rail system in the state, with specified
powers and duties. Existing law, pursuant to the Safe, Reliable
High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Act for the 21st Century, approved by
the voters as Proposition 1A at the November 4, 2008, general
election, provides for the issuance of $9.95 billion in general
obligation bonds for high-speed rail and related purposes. Various
federal laws provide funding for allocation nationally to high-speed
rail and other related projects.
This bill would require the California Research Bureau, by May 1,
2012, to develop an energy consumption profile that includes a
forecast of the power needs of the high-speed rail system and an
analysis of any recommendations for identifying a carbon-free
baseline power supply for the system. The bureau's work would be done
in consultation with the High-Speed Rail Authority, the Federal
Railroad Administration, the Public Utilities Commission, the State
Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, the United
States Department of Energy, and the Legislative Analyst' s
Analyst's Office. The bill would require the
bureau to submit its report to the authority, the authority's
independent peer review group, and specified committees of the
Legislature.
The bill would also make legislative findings and declarations.
Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes.
State-mandated local program: no.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the
following:
(a) High-speed trains will alleviate the need to build nearly
3,000 miles of new freeway, five airport runways, and 91 airport
departure gates in California, with an avoided cost of nearly $100
billion dollars over the next two decades.
(b) Electrically powered high-speed trains reduce pollutants and
greenhouse gas emissions, and reliance on fossil fuels. The
California high-speed train system is projected to result in
emissions savings of 12 billion pounds of CO2 in the year 2030, and
this number would grow as ridership levels grow.
(c) The high-speed rail system is projected to save 12.7 million
barrels of oil per year by 2030, even with projected future
improvements in auto fuel efficiency.
(d) At its September 2008 board meeting, the High-Speed Rail
Authority approved the following policy statement: "The California
High-Speed Rail Authority's policy goal is to power the train by
clean renewable energy, making it the first true zero-emission train
in the world."
(e) It is essential to take the necessary steps to ensure that an
efficient and environmentally responsible power supply is available
for high-speed rail operations. Currently, the Public Utilities
Commission, the United States Department of Energy, and the State
Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission have
responsibility for overseeing and regulating utility and energy
company activities in California.
(f) It is the intent of the Legislature that California's
high-speed rail system shall be powered by green electricity from
renewable energy sources.
SEC. 2. Section 2704.78 is added to the Streets and Highways Code,
to read:
2704.78. (a) The California Research Bureau, in consultation with
the High-Speed Rail Authority, the Federal Railroad Administration,
the Public Utilities Commission, the State Energy Resources
Conservation and Development Commission, the United States Department
of Energy, and the Legislative Analyst's Office, shall develop an
energy consumption profile that includes all of the following:
(1) A forecast of the power needs necessary or desirable to power,
and facilitate the operations of, California's high-speed rail
system. The power consumption of the high-speed rail system will
depend on operating conditions, such as type of service and weather
conditions. Issues to be analyzed shall include, but not be limited
to, both of the following:
(A) The peak demand for power to operate the high-speed rail
system under different operating conditions.
(B) The level of need for baseload power under different operating
conditions.
(2) An analysis of, and recommendations for identifying, a
carbon-free baseload power supply to be available and operational at
the time the high-speed rail system commences operation. The analysis
shall consider future availability of power from renewable sources,
including, but not limited to, hydroelectric, solar, and wind
sources.
(3) Consideration shall be given to all aspects of power needs for
a high-speed rail system, including, but not limited to, all of the
following:
(A) An electrified, double track rail line with overhead catenary
that receives electricity from power substations spaced out regularly
along the line.
(B) A train management system similar to the European Rail Traffic
Management System (ERTMS) that will meet positive train control
requirements.
(C) A signaling system plus radio network.
(D) Onboard electrical and technical equipment.
(E) Track intrusion protection equipment.
(F) Telecommunications, including voice and data communication.
(G) Power needs associated with a heavy maintenance facility for
rolling stock.
(H) Power needs associated with two light duty maintenance
facilities.
(I) Electrical needs for passenger services on high-speed rail
cars, including, but not limited to, power sockets, USB sockets,
Internet, and cell phone connections.
(4) Consideration shall be given to the service development plan,
rolling stock fleet, and phasing, with the first stage of high-speed
rail service anticipated to be implemented at the end of 2017 in
order to start commercial operations at the end of 2017.
(b) On or before May 1, 2012, the California Research Bureau shall
report its findings pursuant to this section to the High-Speed Rail
Authority, the Senate Committee on Transportation and Housing, the
Assembly Committee on Transportation, the Assembly Select Committee
on High Speed Rail for California, and the independent peer review
group established pursuant to Section 185035 of the Public Utilities
Code.
(c) In performing its work pursuant to subdivision (a), the
California Research Bureau may use existing research to the extent
feasible, and the report prepared pursuant to subdivision (b) shall
draw upon information and material developed by other sources,
including, but not limited to, the High-Speed Rail Authority.
