Press Releases

SACRAMENTO—California State Controller Betty T. Yee today appointed David E. Dias, a long-time advocate for energy efficiency and green building, to the Clean Energy Jobs Act (Proposition 39) Citizens Oversight Board.

Approved by California voters in 2012, the Act allocates projected revenue to California's General Fund and the Clean Energy Job Creation Fund to support public schools and create jobs in the clean energy sector.  The Act established a Citizens Oversight Board to review expenditures, maintaining transparency and accountability for the Fund.

Dias brings to the Board more than 30 years’ experience in building, designing, and teaching design of mechanical systems.  For the past decade, he has worked to advance energy efficiency and sustainable green building standards as a business representative for the Sheet Metal Workers’ Local Union No. 104.  Dias fills the seat previously held by Erik Emblem, who passed away in September 2015.

“If implemented properly, the Clean Energy Jobs Act gives us an opportunity to address climate change through enhanced energy efficiency while supporting public schools,” said Yee, the state’s chief fiscal officer.  “Mr. Dias’ experience in this sector will help us ensure taxpayers are getting the most of this opportunity to advance clean energy and spur the green economy.”

Under the Clean Energy Jobs Act, up to $550 million annually could be available for eligible projects to improve energy efficiency and expand clean energy generation in schools.  Eligible local educational agencies — including county offices of education, school districts, charter schools, and state special schools — can request funding by submitting an energy expenditure plan application to the California Energy Commission.

The Controller, Attorney General, and Treasurer each appoint three members to the Board, while the California Energy Commission and California Public Utilities Commission each have one ex officio member.  Members may serve up to three four-year terms.  They serve without compensation, but are reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

As the chief fiscal officer of California, Controller Yee is responsible for accountability and disbursement of the state’s financial resources. The Controller also safeguards many types of property until claimed by the rightful owners, and has independent auditing authority over government agencies that spend state funds. She is a member of numerous financing authorities, and fiscal and financial oversight entities including the Franchise Tax Board. She also serves on the boards for the nation's two largest public pension funds. Elected in 2014, Controller Yee is the tenth woman elected to a statewide office in California’s history. Follow the Controller on Twitter at @CAController and on Facebook at California State Controller’s Office.

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