News Release
For Immediate Release                                      Contact: Jackie Wright
October 28, 2008                                               Wright Enterprises, 415 824-3990


San Rafael- According to the Executive Director of Women's Energy Matters too much time and money has been wasted, as Pacific Gas and Electric Company, has tried to waylay the progress of Marin Clean Energy, the county's plan for renewable energy.  At the Marin County Board of Supervisors meeting today, Barbara George, Executive Director of Women's Energy Matters, asked the Board of Supervisors to vote and pass the Marin Clean Energy Plan which calls for the establishment of a Joint Powers Authority.  The Joint Powers Authority would be responsible for the day-to-day management of the purchase of renewable energy for Marin County.

"Business as usual has us in the financial crisis we face today and continuing with the status quo of PG&E purchasing power for Marin County will have us facing a similar environmental meltdown," said Barbara George.  "PGE is missing its renewable goals as set by the California PUC."

Barbara George stated that Marin Clean Energy is the most effective action the county can take. Women Energy Matters gives several reasons: 1) every home and business in the county is automatically included (unless they decide to opt-out and stay with PG&E), 2) Marin Clean Energy will double or triple the amount of renewables Marin county uses (with no rate increase) and 3) because there's a ready-made, existing revenue stream: MCE would control half the amount of everyone's utility bills.

In her appeal to the Board of Supervisors, George stated, "PG&E is resisting change. PG& E spends millions to tell us they are green when they aren’t.  They are pouring millions into advertising and lobbying to convince us they are good corporate citizens while harming our health because of their environmental choices to turn a profit."

George pointed out that six weeks has been lost in the time table for considering the Marin Clean Energy Plan as PG&E distracted the county with utility favored changes and a promise to provide a proposal to Marin Clean Energy.  "PG&E has had an entire year to do its homework and bring forth a "Clean Energy Proposal." With the hundreds of staffers and millions of dollars at their disposal, they have failed to do so," said George.  "PG&E does not have the answers.  'We Can do this,'" George urged the Board of Supervisors.

In a statement to the Board of Supervisors today, George asked the board to vote today for the first reading of the ordinance that would create a Joint Powers Authority (JPA).  According to earlier meetings, it has been established that the JPA would be responsible only for purchasing up to fifty percent renewable energy.  The JPA would purchase the energy and PG&E would continue to provide the transmission of the energy without a breakdown of service to the consumer.  "It's important for people to know that the Marin Clean Energy Plan is about the purchase of energy at a price point that will save rate-payers money," said George.  "People will help save the environment and money, if they are a part of Marin Clean Energy.  It's important for the Board of Supervisors to vote for this change that will get us on the road to recovery when it comes to global warming."

In George’s comments, she invited the board to vote today and on November 7th to adopt Marin Clean Energy and then attend the organization’s fundraiser, "Celebrate Marin Clean Energy," November 9th at the Bolinas Community Center.  The event is $45 for the evening and will include an Arts Auction, Awards Dinner and Dancing with Dgiin, a popular band from Sonoma County.  The awards will focus on those who have been instrumental in bringing the Marin Clean Energy Plan into fruition.  The Dinner only is $30 and the Dancing Only is $20.00.  Tickets can be purchased by going to the organization's website:www.womensenergymatters.org or visit www.groovetickets.com or call 877 71-Groove.


About Women’s Energy Matters -Women’s Energy Matters (WEM) is a network of women and men who approach energy issues from a woman’s point of view. WEM works for a rapid transition to an efficient, renewable energy system, in order to promote healthy communities and ecosystems and improve international relations. WEM also celebrates the ways women have used their own energy through the ages to work for the public good.  Current areas of focus include: Community Choice, Energy Efficiency, and Environmental Justice. See: www.womensenergymatters.org.