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San Jose, Calif. – The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) applauds Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s recent signing of Assembly Bill 2466 authored by Assemblymember John Laird. VTA co-sponsored the legislation with the City of San Jose and Sonoma County. AB 2466 permits VTA and other local agencies to generate excess renewable energy at one facility and receive a bill credit towards the consumption of energy at another site. This important energy bill reinforces VTA’s sustainable goal of increasing its use of renewable energy.

AB 2466 provides an incentive for local agencies with multiple facilities to generate renewable energy that equals the total electricity demand at all of its facilities. "This bill is a critical step forward in the effort to increase use of renewable energy and drive down energy costs," said Assemblymember Laird.  "The bill provides local government a solid opportunity to not only reduce energy costs, but also to join in California's AB 32-mandated endeavor to reduce green house gas emissions.  VTA's leadership on this issue was essential for the success of the bill."

“VTA is currently implementing an extensive Sustainability Program designed to reduce consumption of natural resources,” said VTA Board of Directors’ Chair Liz Kniss. “With the new ability to capture surplus energy, VTA’s goal of installing and implementing a cost-effective comprehensive solar program is becoming a reality.” A key element of the Sustainability Program is to convert five facilities located through out Santa Clara County to solar power. VTA’s light rail operating facility does not have enough room to install sufficient solar panels to meet that facility’s electricity needs. AB 2466 will allow VTA to generate excess solar power at another bus facility where there is plenty of space and receive a credit on its electricity bill at its light rail operating facility equal to the excess energy generated.

“AB 2466 complements VTA’s strong commitment to the local environment and citizens of Silicon Valley. Increasing VTA’s use of renewable energy will help keep the valley green for future generations,” said VTA General Manager Michael T. Burns.

VTA’s Sustainability Program

The program seeks to meet today’s needs without compromising future generations. VTA’s Sustainability Program will strengthen VTA’s commitment to the environment through the conservation of natural resources, the reduction of greenhouse gases, the prevention of pollution and the use of renewable energy and materials.

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About VTA
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district responsible for bus, light rail and paratransit operations; congestion management; specific highway improvement projects; and countywide transportation planning. As such, VTA is both an accessible transit provider and multi-modal transportation planning organization involved with transit, highways and roadways, bikeways and pedestrian facilities.

For more information about VTA services, call VTA Customer Service at (408) 321-2300, (408) 321-2330 (TDD only). Or, log on to www.vta.org.