Assemblymember Chris Holden Legislation To Keep The Lights On In The West Passes Committee

Sacramento, CA –This week, Assemblymember Chris Holden’s legislation, Assembly Bill 538, which would work with states across the west to create a regional transmission system that expands the footprint for clean energy resources and enables better collaboration, transparency, and integration across the western electrical grid, passed the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy.

“Comprehensive planning and dispatch across a broader footprint is the best way to ensure that all Californians have access to affordable, clean and reliable electricity,” said Assemblymember Holden. “To meet our climate and energy goals, California needs to triple the amount of its clean energy infrastructure, and we must ensure every community has access to clean power day and night. My bill addresses climate change impacts, helps us meet our clean energy goals, and keeps the lights on.”

The California Independent Systems Operator (CAISO) is the best grid operator in the country with the most experience managing renewable resources like wind and solar, and tracking greenhouse gas resources. Additionally, the research has shown that there was no scenario where California would not benefit from CAISO expansion and, the bigger the footprint, the greater the benefits to electric customers, reliability, and achieving our climate goals. 

“I have been listening to my colleagues in the Legislature and members of my own community who have brought up some legitimate concerns. I am looking forward to bringing together an even broader group of stakeholders, including our friends in the skilled and trained workforce, to work collaboratively on solutions that work,” said Mr. Holden. “The bottom line is California can reduce cost, ensure we keep the lights on, and importantly, achieve our clean energy goals by collaborating with other Western states.”

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