Resolution 14431CITY OF ALAMEDA RESOLUTION NO. 14431
OPPOSING PROPOSITION 16, THE "NEW TWO-THIRDS VOTE
REQUIREMENT FOR PUBLIC ELECTRICTY PROVIDERS — INITITIATIVE
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
WHEREAS, the "New Two-Thirds Vote Requirement for Pub ic Electricity
Providers — Initiative Constitutional Amendment" (the Initiative) has qualified for
the June 8, 2010 Statewide Primary Election; and
WHEREAS, the initiative would require a public power provider to obtain a
two-thirds voter majority in both existing territory and proposed territory
expansions prior to spending funds for a utility system expansion; and
WHEREAS, the Initiative would prevent a simple majority of citizens from
determining whether they wish to pursue Community Choice Aggregation, a
program authorized by the State Legislature in 2002 that allows a city, county, or
group of government agencies to supply electricity to residents and businesses
within their jurisdiction; and
WHEREAS, the Initiative contains vague and ambiguous language which
can be construed to require an existing public utility to obtain a two-thirds
majority vote of citizens for the development of non-renewable generation
facilities or transmission lines located outside of the city's jurisdiction; and
WHEREAS, such restrictions could constrain Alameda Municipal Power's
(AMP) resource planning and procurement efforts by imposing two-thirds voter
approval requirements prior to AMP committing to new investment in
transmission or generation infrastructure to serve its electric load; and
WHEREAS, although the City of Alameda is already a public power
community, this Initiative would thwart the ability of citizens to opt for locally
controlled public power in other communities throughout the state; and
WHEREAS, on February 22, 2010, the Public Utilities Board, by motion,
recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution opposing the Initiative.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of
Alameda that:
1. The Council does hereby oppose the "New Two-Thirds Vote
Requirement for Public Electricity Providers — Initiative Constitutional
Amendment"; and
2. The residents of the City of Alameda are encouraged to become well
informed of the Initiative and its possible impacts.
1, the undersigned, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and
regularly adopted and passed by the Council of the City of Alameda during the Regular
Meeting of the City Council on the 16th day of March, 2010, by the following vote to wit:
AYES: Councilmembers deHaan, Gilmore, Matarrese
and Mayor Johnson - 4.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTENTIONS: Councilmember Tam -
IN WITNESS, WHEREOF, 1 have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of
said City this 17th day of March, 2010.
Lara Weisiger, C Clerk
City of Alameda