A Review of the Governor's Reorganization Plan to Create a Department of Energy
Full Report
Executive Summary
Press Release
Fact Sheet
Study Description
The Commission reviewed the Governor's reorganization plan, A Vision for California's Energy Future. The plan proposed to consolidate the functions of several departments, commissions and offices that implement state energy programs into a new department.
- Download the Governor's Energy Agency Reorganization Plan (626kb) and the transmittal letter as submitted to the Little Hoover Commission on May 12, 2005.
- Download the administration's draft statutory language (494kb) submitted to Legislative Counsel.
- Download the Attorney General's June 23, 2005 response (559 kb) to Little Hoover Commission questions.
- Download the Attorney General's June 22, 2005 response (463 kb) to Little Hoover Commission questions.
- Downlaod the Legislative Counsel's opinion (3.6 MB) requested by the Legislature.
State law establishes that all Governors' reorganization plans must be submitted to the Commission for review at least 30 days prior to submitting it to the Legislature for its consideration. Following its review and one or more public hearings on the proposal, the Commission offers a recommendation on whether the Legislature should allow the plan to go into effect.
Agenda
Overview
Proposed by: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Objective: Establish a Department of Energy through the consolidation of the functions of several departments, commissions and offices that implement state energy programs.
Commission recommendation: Reject.
Legislative action: Rejected.

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May 252005Governor's Reorganization Plan to Establish a Department of Energy10:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 447, Sacramento, CAPublic HearingAgenda
AGENDA
Public Hearing on Governor's Reorganization Plan to Establish a Department of Energy
Wednesday, May 25, 2005, at 10:00 a.m.
State Capitol, Room 447
Sacramento, CA
Opening RemarksAdministration Presentation of the Governor’s Reorganization Plan
- Mike Chrisman, Secretary, Resources Agency (Written Testimony)
- Joe Desmond, Chairman, California Energy Commission (Written Testimony, PowerPoint Presentation)
- Erik N. Saltmarsh, Chief Counsel, Electricity Oversight Board (Written Testimony)
- Peter Garris, Deputy Director, California Energy Resources Scheduling Division, Department of Water Resources (Written Testimony)
Other Agencies
- Steve Larson, Executive Director, California Public Utilities Commission (Written Testimony)
- Matt Campbell, Deputy Attorney General, California Department of Justice
- Robin Smutny-Jones, Director of State and Regional Affairs, California Independent System Operator (Written Testimony)
Other State Perspectives
- Senator Joe Dunn
- Assemblymember Joe Canciamilla
- Assemblymember Lloyd E. Levine
- William J. Keese, former Chairman, California Energy Commission
Consumer Advocates
- Bob Finkelstein, Executive Director, The Utility Reform Network (Written Testimony)
- Justin Bradley, Director of Energy Programs, Silicon Valley Leadership Group (Written Testimony)
Investor-Owned Utilities
- Christopher J. Warner, Chief Counsel, Corporate and Regulatory, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (Written Testimony)
- Thomas R. Brill, Assistant General Counsel, Regulatory Policy, Sempra Energy (Written Testimony)
- John L. Jurewitz, Director, Regulatory Policy, Southern California Edison (Written Testimony)
Other Energy Providers
- Jan Smutny-Jones, Executive Director, Independent Energy Producers (Written Testimony)
- Jerry Jordan, Executive Director, California Municipal Utilities Association (Written Testimony)
Environmental Interests
- V. John White, Executive Director, Center for Energy Efficiency & Renewable Technologies (Written Testimony)
- Jim Metropulos, Legislative Representative, Sierra Club California
- Bernadette Del Chiaro, Clean Energy Advocate, Environment California
Public Comments
- Mike Chrisman, Secretary, Resources Agency (Written Testimony)

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May 252005Governor's Reorganization Plan to Establish a Department of Energy10:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 447, Sacramento, CAPublic HearingAgenda
AGENDA
Public Hearing on Governor's Reorganization Plan to Establish a Department of Energy
Wednesday, May 25, 2005, at 10:00 a.m.
State Capitol, Room 447
Sacramento, CA
Opening RemarksAdministration Presentation of the Governor’s Reorganization Plan
- Mike Chrisman, Secretary, Resources Agency (Written Testimony)
- Joe Desmond, Chairman, California Energy Commission (Written Testimony, PowerPoint Presentation)
- Erik N. Saltmarsh, Chief Counsel, Electricity Oversight Board (Written Testimony)
- Peter Garris, Deputy Director, California Energy Resources Scheduling Division, Department of Water Resources (Written Testimony)
Other Agencies
- Steve Larson, Executive Director, California Public Utilities Commission (Written Testimony)
- Matt Campbell, Deputy Attorney General, California Department of Justice
- Robin Smutny-Jones, Director of State and Regional Affairs, California Independent System Operator (Written Testimony)
Other State Perspectives
- Senator Joe Dunn
- Assemblymember Joe Canciamilla
- Assemblymember Lloyd E. Levine
- William J. Keese, former Chairman, California Energy Commission
Consumer Advocates
- Bob Finkelstein, Executive Director, The Utility Reform Network (Written Testimony)
- Justin Bradley, Director of Energy Programs, Silicon Valley Leadership Group (Written Testimony)
Investor-Owned Utilities
- Christopher J. Warner, Chief Counsel, Corporate and Regulatory, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (Written Testimony)
- Thomas R. Brill, Assistant General Counsel, Regulatory Policy, Sempra Energy (Written Testimony)
- John L. Jurewitz, Director, Regulatory Policy, Southern California Edison (Written Testimony)
Other Energy Providers
- Jan Smutny-Jones, Executive Director, Independent Energy Producers (Written Testimony)
- Jerry Jordan, Executive Director, California Municipal Utilities Association (Written Testimony)
Environmental Interests
- V. John White, Executive Director, Center for Energy Efficiency & Renewable Technologies (Written Testimony)
- Jim Metropulos, Legislative Representative, Sierra Club California
- Bernadette Del Chiaro, Clean Energy Advocate, Environment California
Public Comments
- Mike Chrisman, Secretary, Resources Agency (Written Testimony)