An alternative energy subsidy just ended its quirky legislative trip with an approval from Gov. Jerry Brown
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An alternative energy subsidy just ended its quirky legislative trip with an approval from Gov. Jerry Brown
The long, winding journey of a proposal to boost fuel cells — an alternative energy source that promises cleaner electricity — culminated Monday with Gov. Jerry Brown signing a bill to extend a vital subsidy to the industry.
The final approval of AB 1637 by Assemblyman Evan Low (D-Campbell) marks the end of one of the messier exercises in Capitol sausage-making this year, with some observers pointedly noting that the main benefactor was Bloom Energy, a politically connected Silicon Valley firm.
Bloom and its allies argue the saga was a hard-fought slog against powerful adversaries including utilities and labor groups.
But rival companies and some lawmakers said Bloom owes its success to the eager backing of California’s top politicians and upending the public legislative process, affording it chances most other groups don’t get.
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