It was created to raise standards of energy efficiency and ensure that all existing and new buildings meet the new energy efficiency requirements. It is also meant to regulate and preserve indoor and outdoor environment quality.
California recognized in the 1970s that energy consumption was having a negative effect on the environment, and something had to be done to regulate energy consumption. The State Legislature passed the Warren Alquist State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Act. It came into existence from a batter over power plant sitting, which led to a historic compromise between environmentalists and utilities.
The Energy Commission wanted to maintain and develop energy efficiency standards for all new and existing buildings, under the Public Resources Code (Section 250402). It is also known as the Warren Alquist Act.
