Caltrans goes green

A Marysville Caltrans maintenance yard will soon be greening up.

Caltrans announced plans Thursday to install $20 million in new solar energy systems at 70 of its facilities throughout the state. The installation is estimated to save taxpayers $52.5 million in avoided energy costs in the next 25 years.

The Marysville maintenance yard is among facilities to receive panels when installation begins next year.

The local office was excited to hear about the plans.

"Caltrans is committed to energy conservation and recycling," said spokeswoman Kari Ehrman. "In fact, our new district building is 27 percent more energy efficient than required."

Statewide, the panels will annually generate more than 3 million kilowatt hours of electricity and eliminate 2.8 million pounds of greenhouse gases, at no costs to taxpayers.

The projects are being financed through the sale of Clean Renewable Energy Bonds, which will be paid back in annual payments for 15 years. Congress approved the bonds program in 2005 to encourage energy conservation, develop energy infrastructure and increase use of alternative energy.

The goal to reduce greenhouse gases is in line with Global Warming Solutions Act, which Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law in 2006.

Maintenance yards in Chico, Auburn and Elk Grove are also receiving solar panels, as is the state rest stop near Willows.