Lawmakers propose new clean-fuel fund

“A group of California lawmakers hope that a bill to create a $45 million clean-fuel technology fund will be just the thing for California to keep — and attract — companies like San Carlos’ Tesla Motors. The electric car maker, founded by Silicon Valley entrepreneurs Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning, wants to expand and is considering building an electric car plant in Pittsburg. It’s also weighing offers out of state. Assemblyman Mark DeSaulnier, D-Martinez, a co-author of the bill, said he held meetings with company and city officials Monday at his Capitol office and hopes such a fund would encourage Tesla to stay.”