California approves Think Tank on global warming
Commission President Michael Peevey pushed the plan approved to create the California Institute for Climate Solutions. It is envisioned to bring together academic and private laboratories to quickly find ways to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Electric and gas utilities regulated by the state commission are to fund the program by collecting $60 million a year for 10 years. Peevey said the surcharge would add 25 to 30 cents per month to bills of the customers of private utilities such as Pacific Gas & Electric.
The commission doesn't have the authority to assess the surcharge on customers of government-owned utilities, he said.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and environmental groups supported the project, while some lawmakers and consumer groups had lined up against it, calling it an unfair tax.
The plan does not require approval of the governor or Legislature.
Under the plan, the institute must raise matching funds.
Board member John Bohn was among those wary of the plan, saying it pushes the boundaries of the board's legal jurisdiction "almost to the breaking point." But he wound up voting for it, saying it could make positive contributions.
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B.C. Hydro adds more vehicle charging stations across southern B.C.
VANCOUVER - B.C. Hydro is expanding its network of electric vehicle charging stations.
The Crown utility says 28 new stations complete the second phase of its fast-charging network and are in addition to the 30 stations opened in 2016.
Thirteen of the stations are in Metro Vancouver, seven are on Vancouver Island, including one at the Pacific Rim Visitor Centre near Tofino, another is in Campbell River, and two have opened on the Coquihalla Highway at the Britton Creek rest area.
A further six stations are located throughout the East Kootenay and B.C. Hydro says the next phase of its program will connect…
