§ 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.

(Added by Stats. 1988, Ch. 714, Sec. 1.)