SECTIONS 25695-25697 - California Statutes

PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE

SECTION 25695-25697

25695. In enacting this chapter, the Legislature hereby finds and
declares all of the following:
(a) The development and commercialization of energy technologies
and energy conservation is a vital element in meeting the state's
energy needs.
(b) The continuing vitality of California's energy technology and
energy conservation industry, as well as the maintenance of
California's technological leadership in these energy systems,
depends on the industry's ability to expand into new markets,
including those in other countries. The expansion of California's
energy technology and energy conservation industry into foreign
markets will result in lower domestic prices, more stable growth,
increased employment opportunities, and additional tax revenues.
(c) California's energy technology and energy conservation
industry's entry into export markets is being inhibited by
foreign-based competitors benefiting from extensive financial and
technical support from their governments. Furthermore, small- to
medium-sized energy firms are handicapped by high information costs
and financial constraints.
(d) California-based energy technology and energy conservation
firms seeking to expand into foreign markets can be substantially
assisted by state efforts to disseminate international market data,
foreign government regulatory information, and other material, and to
provide technical assistance to facilitate export efforts.
(e) It is in the best interest of the state to increase the export
of goods and services provided by California-based energy technology
and energy conservation firms, particularly small- and medium-sized
businesses, in a manner which coordinates with and augments existing
private, state, and federal programs.

25696. The commission may assist California-based energy technology
and energy conservation firms to export their technologies,
products, and services to international markets.
The commission may do all of the following:
(a) Conduct a technical assistance program to help California
energy companies improve export opportunities and enhance foreign
buyers' awareness of and access to energy technologies and services
offered by California-based companies. Technical assistance
activities may include, but are not limited to, an energy technology
export information clearinghouse, a referral service, a trade lead
service consulting services for financing, market evaluation, and
legal counseling, and information seminars.
(b) Perform research studies and solicit technical advice to
identify international market opportunities.
(c) Assist California energy companies to evaluate project or
site-specific energy needs of international markets.
(d) Assist California energy companies to identify and address
international trade barriers restricting energy technology exports,
including unfair trade practices and discriminatory trade laws.
(e) Develop promotional materials in conjunction with California
energy companies to expand energy technology exports.
(f) Establish technical exchange programs to increase foreign
buyers' awareness of suitable energy technology uses.
(g) Prepare equipment performance information to enhance potential
export opportunities.
(h) Coordinate activities with state, federal, and international
donor agencies to take advantage of trade promotion and financial
assistance efforts offered.

25696.5. (a) Every California-based energy technology and energy
conservation firm awarded direct financial assistance pursuant to
Section 25696 shall reimburse the commission for that assistance,
when both of the following conditions have been met:
(1) The assistance was substantial and essential for the
completion of a specific identifiable project.
(2) The resulting project is producing revenues.
(b) All moneys appropriated for purposes of this chapter and all
moneys received by the commission as reimbursement under this section
shall be deposited in the Energy Resources Programs Account and
shall be available, when appropriated by the Legislature, for the
purposes of this chapter.

25697. The commission shall consult with the California State World
Trade Commission with respect to conducting overseas trade missions,
trade shows, and trade exhibits. Consultation may include
interagency agreements, cosponsorship, and memoranda of understanding
for joint overseas trade activities.