Energy: equitable clean energy supply chains and industrial policy in California.

Senator McNerney's clean energy industrial policy legislation establishes a new framework for coordinating California's development of strategic clean energy industries. The bill creates a Senior Counselor position within the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to oversee industrial policy initiatives focused on offshore wind, battery manufacturing, and building decarbonization sectors.

The Senior Counselor will convene working groups comprising state agencies, labor representatives, private firms, environmental organizations, and tribal communities to evaluate potential policy changes affecting supply chain development, technology deployment, workforce development, and environmental protection. These groups will specifically examine options like equipment stockpiles, public procurement strategies, advanced market commitments, and public-private partnerships. The position serves as a central point of contact between state agencies and companies interested in establishing or expanding clean energy manufacturing in California.

The legislation requires seven state agencies, including the Energy Commission and Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development, to enter a memorandum of understanding by March 1, 2026 to align their work on clean energy supply chains. The agreement aims to coordinate research, economic development programs, industry incentives, and infrastructure planning across agencies. The Senior Counselor must track implementation and deliver annual public reports on key findings and recommendations.

The bill establishes the Equitable Clean Energy Supply Chain and Industrial Policy Fund to support these initiatives through federal funds and private donations, subject to legislative appropriation. The fund enables dedicated financial resources for advancing the state's clean energy manufacturing goals while maintaining fiscal oversight.