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r If adopted and fully implemented, the Pleasanton Energy Plan undoubtedly will lead to a more stable local economy and business environment, and reduce risks associated with energy shortages and price fluctuations." Ms. Hosterman noted that he said the California Energy Commission had many sources of technical support, and that they would be willing to help the City. The following letter was received from Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey: "Dear Members of the City Council: Because of my experience serving on the Petaluma City Council before being elected to Congress, I know that your prime responsibility is to ensure that citizens of your community are protected from fire and crime, and have access to basic services like water and roads. Today, however, local governments would be wise to look at assisting business and residents to switch to clean, renewable energy, and practice energy conservation and efficiency. r- The Pleasanton Energy Plan is a positive first step in that direction. As ranking member of the Science Committee's Energy Subcommittee, I was able to ensure that the County's renewable energy research continues to move forward. Unfortunately, in the current political climate, it is unlikely that the federal government will, in the near future, establish a national energy policy that begins the necessary transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, conservation, and efficiency. That leaves the task up to state and local governments. California's energy crisis demonstrated two major reasons for local governments to become involved: (a) the state is extremely vulnerable to outside influences beyond its control, i.e., price manipulation and actual energy shortages, and (b) communities with local control over energy production fared best in adverse conditions. In my Congressional districts, many of the City Councils and the Supervisors of Marin and Sonoma Counties have pledged to voluntarily reduce greenhouse emissions. In order to fulfill their goals, some of these municipalities are looking at starting programs to conserve energy and switch to renewable energy sources. If local governments work together, they can build momentum across the nation to create new economic and politics incentives we need to complete the energy transition. I want to thank Matt Sullivan, who recently served as an expert panelist at an energy subcommittee field hearing, for informing me about the Pleasanton Energy Plan. I am pleased to endorse this smart and innovative strategy, and I look forward to hearing about your city as a national model of community-led green energy." Ms. Hosterman noted that she and Commissioner Sullivan had attended a number of workshops at the state level, and that they were often recognized because of their involvement in the Energy ,-- Plan's formation. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES October 23, 2002 Page 7