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DRAFT 10. Energy Element feet in size to incorporate green building measures from the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Rating System. In 2006 the City Council adopted amendments to Planning Code Chapter 17.5 to also require that most new residential projects incorporate green building measures. Structures such as Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Station Number 4 and the Applied Biosystems offices have led the way for green building in Pleasanton. Green building is indicative of Pleasanton's efforts to plan for sustainability so that many generations can enjoy a high quality of life. See the Green Building section of the Community Character Element as well as the Sustainable Development and Planning section of the Air Quality Element for further discussion of green building. Community-Choice Aggregation . In 2002, the State passed Assembly Bill 117 which allows local governments, cities, and counties to become Community Choice Aggregators (CCAs) by giving local governments, cities, and counties the authority to combine the electrical load of their residents, businesses, and municipal facilities in an electricity buyers' program. Under this bill, the investor-owned utility, in Pleasanton's case PG&E, would still provide transmission and distribution services. If the City chooses to become a Commuxuty Choice Aggregator, it would procure a power supply for distribution to all classes of electricity customers within the City limits and it would set the rate structure for participants in the program. There would be an opportunity for ratepayers to opt out of the program and revert to service by PG&E. Some benefits of becoming a CCA may include more local control over Pleasanton's energy supply portfolio and energy rates. The City needs to fully assess the costs, benefits, and potential risks of this program before proceeding. TRANSPORTATION ENERGY A large proportion of energy used in Pleasanton is related to transportation and includes gasoline and other fuels that vehicles may use in the future. Currently traffic congestion threatens the quality of air residents breathe, the satisfaction of roadway users, and the City's economic vitality. Congestion occurs when traffic demand exceeds available capacity. Causes of recurring congestion include insufficient facility capacity and ineffective management of existing capacity (such as poor signal timing). Reducing congestion and the use of non-renewable fuels is consistent with the overarching purpose of this Energy Element, guiding Pleasanton toward a sustainable energy future. Thus, this Energy Element includes measures to help reduce congestion and the use of traditional vehicle fuels. VISUAL IMPACTS Power lines can be unsightly and detract from the surrounding character of an area. In addition, power lines can be a safety hazard during a strong storm or earthquake. For aesthetic and safety reasons, the City requires local and regional transmission and distribution lines to be placed Energy Clean Copy per PC. 02 07 ~ ~-6 Council 6/5/2007