For Immediate Release	Contact:	Nicole Capretz
March 19, 2003		619-236-6616 Cell

Solar Energy Has Bright Future in San Diego

Councilmembers Frye and Zucchet Fight for Renewable Energy Use by City

San Diego, CA... Councilmembers Donna Frye and Michael Zucchet today successfully advocated to the San Diego City Council Rules Committee for the transition to renewable energy by the City. The committee unanimously approved the motion, 5 - 0.

"Solar energy has a bright future in San Diego," said Zucchet. "I am excited to help bring additional renewable energy resources and jobs to our city."

Councilmembers Frye and Zucchet advocated for the City's transition to renewable energy through the installation of solar panels throughout Balboa Park and on several additional City buildings which could include libraries, police stations, and fire communication centers. The San Diego Regional Energy Office has completed a study on sites where solar and efficiency measures may be feasible and would have an expected payback on the City's investment in 10 years or less.

"We are living in an unstable world where we are dependent on and vulnerable to a precarious energy market," Councilmember Frye said. "By investing in solar power, we are increasing our City's and our nation's energy independence and energy security."

As a result of the proposal initiated by Frye and Zucchet, the committee supported a motion to:

1) Direct the City Manager to evaluate financing opportunities to fund the installation of efficiency and solar energy systems on identified City buildings;

2) Direct the City Manager to ensure the City maximizes its use of local companies and skilled labor pools when proceeding with energy efficiency and solar energy projects, including projects that have been approved but not yet implemented;

3) Direct the City Manager to explore implementing standards and certifications for all solar installations as proposed by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners.

The motion was made as part of the City Manager's Energy Conservation and Management Status Report to the Rules Committee.

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