A California bill would set up a backstop authority to meet the state's grid reliability and clean energy needs. But opponents say it takes central procurement too far.

A California bill would set up a backstop authority to meet the state's grid reliability and clean energy needs. But opponents say it takes central procurement too far.: Last week, AB 56 passed the state’s Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee, the first step toward potentially becoming this year’s legislative vehicle for taking on California's complex mix of energy challenges.