California moves ahead with push for renewable power

Sep 21 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Rick Daysog The Sacramento Bee, Calif.

 

Despite a bruising ballot battle over the California's landmark climate change law, the state is forging ahead with plans requiring electric utilities to obtain a third of their supply from renewable energy sources.

The California Air Resources Board on Thursday will vote to adopt far-reaching new rules and regulations for the state's renewable electricity standard, which is a focal point of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and boost the state's clean-energy sector.

The hearing comes as CARB, the California Public Utilities Commission, the California Energy Commission, the California Environmental Protection Agency and the nonprofit California Independent System Operator Corp. on Tuesday announced a new effort to cut the red tape for projects stemming from the renewable standard.

"California's energy policy must be clear and focused on meeting our advanced efficiency and renewable energy goals," said CARB Chairman Mary Nichols.