Report finds Gov. Brown's renewable goals possible

May 14, 2015 | By Jaclyn Brandt

A new report took a look at California Governor Jerry Brown's renewable energy goals, and whether they are viable. The report, conducted by Strategen Consulting, found that Gov. Brown's 2030 goals are not only possible, but will create jobs and economic possibilities within the state.

Gov. Jerry Brown's 2015 inauguration. Credit: Office of the governor

Gov. Brown announced his goals at his January 2015 inaugural address, which includes renewable sources to account for 50 percent of electricity by 2030; reducing petroleum use in cars and trucks by up to 50 percent between 2015 and 2030; and doubling the efficiency of existing buildings by 2030. Gov. Brown said the plan would create millions of jobs, as well as creating energy infrastructure and economic activity.

Gov. Brown also made a commitment in his April 2015 executive order to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030.

The report found that by 2030, there will be 870,000 new jobs created in the construction, manufacturing, sales, service, and support fields due to the economy created by energy savings. California's CO2 emissions will also be reduced by 42 percent -- or more than 102 million tons per year -- by 2030, from 2015 levels.

"The reduction in pollution will save lives, reduce healthcare costs, and improve the quality of life for all Californians," the report explained. "These values are so compelling that it is imperative that California policymakers develop a cost-optimized, longterm strategy to ensure success and to enable Californians to realize these benefits."

The report also found that Gov. Brown's goals would help energy customers and businesses will save $51 billion in 2030 and each year after -- or $4,000 per California household.

Throught their research, Strategen found that policy will be a key factor to attract private investment -- which will in turn help further a growing infrastructure. Through these efforts, there will be growth in technology like energy storage, EV charging networks, transmission and electricity grid infrastructure, renewable generation, and fuel efficient vehicles.

Utilities in the state seem supportive of Gov. Brown's plans.

A spokesperson for San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) told FierceEnergy, "SDG&E is committed to working with our state as it continues to focus on greenhouse gas emissions reductions. While we are currently analyzing the impact of the Governor's Executive Order in context of existing mandates, we do believe that California must continue to address climate change-related issues while also focusing on the need to promote and facilitate economic growth as well as job creation in our state."

A spokesperson for Southern California Edison (SCE) told FierceEnergy that the utility supports "the governor's vision for a low-carbon future for California."

"SCE is committed to finding the most cost-effective ways to implement greenhouse gas reductions for its customers," the spokesperson explained. "SCE believes a combination of increasing renewable energy resources, increasing the number of electric vehicles on the road, and expanding energy storage and energy efficiency are effective ways to implement the governor's goals. It is important that all of the ways chosen to reduce greenhouse gas emissions meet grid operations and reliability requirements. SCE looks forward to continuing to work with the governor and other state leaders to develop and implement a lower carbon future for California."

For more:
- read the study
- read this speech

http://www.fierceenergy.com/story/report-finds-gov-browns-renewable-goals-possible/2015-05-14