California’s governor has been aggressive with legislation to promote renewable energy projects and reduce carbon emissions.

Tony Brunello is Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s deputy secretary for climate change and energy. Listen as he gives an overview of what the governor sees as the goals for the state’s energy policy, as well as where the money is going to come from to pay for it.

Brunello breaks down the federal funding that California is applying for through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. He says there are three areas where California can get funding for renewable projects and energy programs. He said the governor is vying for the biggest state share of the funds, which would total about $762 million, according to Brunello’s calculation.

Is bigger really better?
Brunello tells how the governor thinks bigger IS better when it comes to solar. But with that comes problems—land.

So we know renewable power is important, but Brunello explains some of the challenges the state faces in terms of getting renewable projects through the approval process with the California Energy Commission (CEC) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). In a process he calls a “land grab,” Brunello said the permitting and approval procedures are a real hurdle for the state.

The Future
So what is the state doing right now to get the slow approval process up to speed? Brunello explains why he thinks the BLM’s “Fast Track Initiative” will be helpful in getting solar projects through the process faster. Currently each project must apply for a land grant through the BLM individually, but Brunello thinks there is an easier way.

Brunello said big solar projects are going to be a major part of the governor’s plan for the state, but how impactful are they right now?