Monday, October 12, 2009 at 5:11:30 PM - by Nate Lew

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has announced a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Interior that is expected to speed up siting decisions for solar energy and other similar projects in the state.

According to the governor's office, the memorandum is the first of its kind and will help the state achieve its goal of generating one-third of its power from renewable sources by 2020. The agreement calls for the development of detailed maps featuring the best areas for renewable energy development, taking factors like conservation into account as well.

"We know our future is in clean power, clean energy and clean technology, and we are taking action so California will be able to meet its ambitious renewable energy and environmental goals," said Schwarzenegger.

Under the agreement, power transmission corridors are expected to be identified by the end of 2010, and input from the Department of Defense will be sought because of the expectation that some of these lines will be crossed by land it maintains.

Schwarzenegger also noted that the memorandum will help expedite solar energy and other projects set to break ground by next December so they can qualify for tax incentives under the federal stimulus bill.