California Senate Appropriations Committee Sets Crucial Vote Tomorrow on Legislation that Bans Portable Generators

37 rural counties join chorus opposing bill that outlaws these backup power devices

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--By tomorrow, Californians could know if their ability to own portable generators and power critical equipment during Public Safety Power Shut-off (PSPS) events and other loss of power events is in permanent jeopardy. The fight against California’s proposed ban on portable generators faces a crucial test Thursday, August 26, when AB 1346 is slated to be considered by the California Senate Appropriations Committee. Opponents have asked the committee to amend the bill by inserting an exemption for portable generators. If the committee fails to do so, it is likely the full Senate will consider the unamended bill, putting Californians’ future access to life-saving portable generators at permanent risk.

AB 1346 would compel the California Air Resources Board to adopt regulations by July 1, 2022, to prohibit emissions from all small off-road engine equipment (SORE) including portable generators. The proposal assumes that portable generators could be replaced with so-called ZEE generators (zero-emission equipment). However, ZEE generators rely on battery power and electricity for charging that is not available during power outages and natural disasters, stay powered for far shorter durations, and are exponentially more expensive than gas-powered generators.

California’s own July 30, 2021, proclamation of a State of Emergency issued by Gov. Newsom allows for generator use because of power outages and generators’ clear role as a critical safety tool.

In addition, in a letter to bill author Assemblyman Marc Berman (Menlo Park) dated August 23, 2021, the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) formally opposed AB 1346 unless amended. RCRC, an organization furthering the interests of 37 rural counties in the state, cites the reliance rural residents have on portable generators during wildfires and PSPS events.

Further, a five-year study of California residents found remarkable consistency in reasons they used portable generators. In each year from 2016 to 2020, approximately 80% of state residents who own portable generators say their primary use for the devices is providing backup power to their homes.

If allowed to pass unamended, AB 1346 would place property and lives in jeopardy. For more information, visit www.staypoweredcalifornia.org.

For interviews with Joe Harding, technical director for the Portable Generator Manufacturers' Association, contact [e-mail] or call 216-241-7333.

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[e-mail] or call 216-870-2431.