California Votes NO on Fossil FuelsSustainableBusiness.com News California's Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has determined
the state doesn't need to invest in any new fossil fuel plants
through 2020, and even beyond that. State law requires that 33% of California's electricity must come from renewables by 2020. "This is a real opportunity to bring about a just energy system," says Shana Lazerow, an attorney with Communities for a Better Environment, a party to the proceeding. "This ruling should mean our communities can focus on green jobs that come with building local, sustainable generation, and not have to fend off proposals for new, dirty plants." "This order is a solid step toward an energy plan for California that considers the needs of people and the environment," says Jim Metropulos, Senior Advocate with Sierra Club California. "We will continue to work with the Commission to create a future supply of power that doesn't deplete our natural resources or pollute our air and water." The decision is part of CPUC's 2010 Long-Term Procurement Plan
proceeding that evaluated the state's energy needs into the next
decade. California has used its lead in clean technology to help the
state's economy rebound, while cutting greenhouse gas emissions,
even with a rapidly growing population. Venture capital investment in California's cleantech companies
rose 24% from 2010-2011 to $3.5 billion. In solar, the state pulled
in 62% of US investments, $1.2 billion. 910 patents were filed from 2008-2010, and patents filed in solar and batteries, represented 41% and 21% respectively, of all cleantech patents filed in the US. "Venture capital investment and patent filings are two economic indicators that signal positive future growth in terms of jobs and businesses," says Noel Perry, founder of Next 10. "California's commitment to an economy that is cleaner will also give us an economy that is stronger." As of 2009, California cut carbon emissions 28% from 1990 levels for every dollar of GDP generated, while adding 8 million new residents.
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