(a) As used in this division, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) (A) “Advanced transportation technologies” means emerging commercially competitive transportation-related technologies identified by the authority as capable of creating long-term, high-value-added jobs for Californians while enhancing the state’s commitment to energy conservation, pollution and greenhouse gas emissions reduction, and transportation efficiency.
(B) “Advanced transportation technologies” does not include those projects required to be undertaken pursuant to state or federal law or regulations, air district rules or regulations, memoranda of understanding with a governmental entity, or legally binding agreements or documents. The State Air Resources Board shall advise the authority regarding projects that are excluded pursuant to this subparagraph.
(2) (A) “Alternative sources” means devices or technologies used for a renewable electrical generation facility, as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 25741, a combined heat and power system, as defined in Section 2840.2 of the Public Utilities Code, distributed generation and energy storage technologies eligible under the self-generation incentive program pursuant to Section 379.6 of the Public Utilities Code, as determined by the Public Utilities Commission, or a facility designed for the production of renewable fuels, the efficient use of which reduces the use of fossil or nuclear fuels, and energy efficiency devices or technologies that reduce the need for new electric generation and reduce emissions of toxic and criteria pollutants and greenhouse gases.
(B) “Alternative sources” does not include a hydroelectric facility that does not meet state laws pertaining to the control, appropriation, use, and distribution of water, including, but not limited to, the obtaining of applicable licenses and permits.
(3) “Authority” means the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority established pursuant to Section 26004, and any board, commission, department, or officer succeeding to the functions of the authority, or to which the powers conferred upon the authority by this division shall be given.
(4) “Cost” as applied to a project or portion of the project financed under this division means all or part of the cost of construction and acquisition of all lands, structures, real or personal property or an interest in the real or personal property, rights, rights-of-way, franchises, easements, and interests acquired or used for a project; the cost of demolishing or removing any buildings or structures on land so acquired, including the cost of acquiring any lands to which those buildings or structures may be moved; the cost of all machinery, equipment, and furnishings, financing charges, interest prior to, during, and for a period after, completion of construction as determined by the authority; provisions for working capital; reserves for principal and interest and for extensions, enlargements, additions, replacements, renovations, and improvements; the cost of architectural, engineering, financial, accounting, auditing and legal services, plans, specifications, estimates, administrative expenses, and other expenses necessary or incidental to determining the feasibility of constructing any project or incidental to the construction, acquisition, or financing of a project.
(5) “Financial assistance” includes, but is not limited to, loans, loan loss reserves, interest rate reductions, proceeds of bonds issued by the authority, bond insurance, loan guarantees or other credit enhancements or liquidity facilities, contributions of money, or a combination thereof, as determined by, and approved by the resolution of, the board.
(6) (A) “Participating party” means a person, federal or state agency, department, board, authority, or commission, state or community college, or university, or a city or county, regional agency, public district, school district, or other political entity engaged in the business or operations in the state, whether organized for profit or not for profit, that applies for financial assistance from the authority for the purpose of implementing a project.
(B) (i) For purposes of Section 6010.8 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, “participating party” means an entity specified in subparagraph (A) that seeks financial assistance pursuant to Section 26011.8.
(ii) For purposes of Section 6010.8 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, an entity located outside of the state, including an entity located overseas, is considered to be a participating party and is eligible to apply for financial assistance pursuant to Section 26011.8 if the participating party commits to, and demonstrates that, the party will be opening a manufacturing facility in the state.
(iii) It is the intent of the Legislature by adding clause (ii) to clarify existing law and ensure that an out-of-state entity or overseas entity is eligible to apply for financial assistance pursuant to Section 26011.8.
(7) (A) “Project” means a land, building, improvement to the land or building, rehabilitation, work, property, or structure, real or personal, stationary or mobile, including, but not limited to, machinery and equipment utilized in the state, whether or not in existence or under construction, that utilizes, or is designed to utilize, an alternative source, or that is utilized for the design, technology transfer, manufacture, production, assembly, distribution, or service of advanced transportation technologies or alternative source components.
(B) “Project,” for purposes of Section 26011.8 and Section 6010.8 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, is defined in Section 26011.8.
(8) “Revenue” means all rents, receipts, purchase payments, loan repayments, and all other income or receipts derived by the authority from a project, or the sale, lease, or other disposition of alternative source or advanced transportation technology facilities, or the making of loans to finance alternative source or advanced transportation technology facilities, and any income or revenue derived from the investment of money in any fund or account of the authority.
(b) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2026.
(Amended (as amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 86, Sec. 258) by Stats. 2019, Ch. 690, Sec. 4. (AB 1583) Effective January 1, 2020. Section operative January 1, 2026, by its own provisions.)