Atop a solar-paneled rooftop at Loyola Marymount University on Monday, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a memorandum of understanding with Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar in order to expedite California renewable energy projects.

California is the first state to sign an MOU with the Department of the Interior to cooperatively develop long-term renewable energy plans and to shepherd eligible projects through state and federal permitting processes that can receive 30 percent federal tax credits under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.

“California is showing the world how to protect the economy, environment and habitat all at the same time,” said Schwarzenegger. “We know our future is in clean power, clean energy and clean technology, and we are taking action so California will be able to meet its ambitious renewable energy and environmental goals. Today’s first-of-its-kind agreement with our federal partners will also create jobs and get projects moving while maintaining high environmental standards.”

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa acknowledged LMU’s commitment to energy efficiency through its use of solar collectors on the roof of University Hall. “We’re here because this is a forward-thinking university,” he said.

“LMU has been a leader in environmental sustainability and I am pleased that Gov.Schwarzenegger and Secretary Salazar chose our campus as the place to execute the state and federal government’s landmark cooperative agreement,” said Executive Vice President and Provost David W. Burcham.


posted Oct. 13, 2009