Since the mid-1990s, much has changed in the state’s and the nation’s energy picture.

At the national level, there is renewed interest in energy security following the terrorist attacks of September 2001. In California, the state continues to struggle with the fiscal impacts of a largely unsuccessful attempt, starting in 1998, to deregulate the electricity market. Temporarily tight natural gas supplies contributed to the electricity “crisis” the state experienced from mid-2000 through early 2001. In response to 2000 legislation, the state is also seeking ways to reduce dependence on petroleum as a transportation fuel.

It is clear that energy use has dramatic environmental and public health implications, even though data is far from complete. Air pollution from mobile sources and stationary sources such as power plants has been linked to increased mortality and cancer risk. Fuel spills continue to foul beaches, waterways, soils, groundwater, and the ocean. Power plants use water and can affect wildlife habitats, as can other energy infrastructure.

The Southern California region can pursue alternative energy sources and energy conservation measures to serve a growing population without necessarily increasing energy use or cost. To accomplish this goal, the region needs to undertake an integrated resource planning effort that takes into account the sources and external costs of energy. This type of planning will enable more informed energy policy decisions. At the same time, the region would benefit from supporting state efforts to develop energy goals so that local initiatives are more coordinated, and, ultimately, help provide reliable, secure, and safe energy at the lowest possible cost. 

- The Economic Edge: The Causes of California’s Electric Power Crisis

- SCAG’s Energy-Regional Comprehensive Plan and Guide (You will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to view this document).