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Committee approves AB 1280 to expand grants for industrial thermal energy storage
Summary
AB 1280 would expand state grant programs to cover thermal energy storage projects for industrial decarbonization; proponents say it will reduce pollution in disadvantaged communities and preserve manufacturing jobs.
Assemblymember Garcia introduced AB 1280 to expand eligibility for existing grant programs so they can fund thermal energy storage projects in industrial facilities. The author said the change would help decarbonize manufacturing, improve local air quality in historically disadvantaged communities, and support high-quality jobs.
"If California is to meet the 2045 carbon neutrality goal, this legislature has set under AB 1279, we need to be investing in these clean industrial technologies now," Brandon Wong, a sponsor from Industrious Labs, told the committee.
Earthjustice and several environmental and community groups testified in support. Witnesses noted that the industrial sector accounts for a large share of statewide emissions and that many facilities are sited near communities that already face high pollution burdens.
The bill drew no lead opposition witnesses in committee. A broad set of environmental, climate and community organizations provided supporting testimony in the hearing record.
Committee members generally praised the bill for targeting industrial pollution and workforce benefits. The committee passed AB 1280 as amended to Natural Resources by a unanimous or near-unanimous voice vote on the day of the hearing and filed the measure out of committee.
