The Green Empowerment Zone shall have the following duties:

(a) Identification of projects and programs that will best utilize public dollars and most quickly improve the economic vitality of the Northern Waterfront area of the County of Contra Costa, especially those that leverage federal, state, local, and private sector resources in a coordinated effort to support the development of the clean energy economy.

(b) Work with members of the state’s congressional delegation and federal official, including any relevant federal interagency task force, to gain federal support for projects identified by the zone as critical to the region’s energy economy.

(c) Partner with the University of California, the California State University, community colleges, and the state’s other research and educational institutions, as well as private foundations, to provide guidance, advice, and encouragement in support of studies of particular interest and importance to the energy industry in the Northern Waterfront area of the County of Contra Costa.

(d) Review state policies and regulations to ensure they are fair and appropriate for the state’s diverse geographic regions, including the Northern Waterfront area of the County of Contra Costa, and determine whether alternative approaches can accomplish goals in less costly ways.

(e) Make recommendations to the Governor that would improve the economic well-being of the region and the quality of life of its residents.

(f) Create and maintain an internet website that is managed and updated by an entity designated by the board of directors.

(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 377, Sec. 1. (AB 844) Effective January 1, 2022. Repealed as of January 1, 2028, pursuant to Sec. 7599.104.)