California makes clean energy history

October 8, 2015 | By Barbara Vergetis Lundin

California Governor Jerry Brown made clean energy history with his signing of Senate Bill 350 (SB 350), the Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act of 2015 authored by Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León -- one of the strongest renewable power mandates in the country.

Left to right: California State Capitol in Sacramento, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, San Jose skyline, Muir Woods National Monument, and the Northern California coast. Credit: Beao/Wikimedia Commons

With the signing, California has cemented its position as a national and global leader in addressing climate change.

SB 350 builds on California's long legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship, requiring the state to double down on energy efficiency and draw half of its energy from renewable sources by 2030 while paving the way for more clean energy to be integrated throughout the regional electric grid -- and building upon existing law that set a target of 33 percent by 2020.

"Governor Brown and our legislative leaders are transforming the energy system to help the world turn the corner on climate change tomorrow," said Diane Regas, executive director, Environmental Defense Fund. "SB 350 is a winning formula for communities, businesses, and the environment, and will serve as a model for other leaders around the country and the world."

Furthering the state's commitment to combatting climate change and continuing to grow a strong low-carbon economy, the goals of SB 350 will drive down pollution and help deliver cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels. The new law puts California on the path to 50 percent power from renewable energy sources and increases energy efficiency in existing buildings by 50 percent -- both by 2030.

"This landmark law will continue California's leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions at a critical time as states and nations look for models on how to decarbonize energy," said Adrienne Alvord, California and western states director, Union of Concerned Scientists. "The fact that the eighth largest economy in the world is setting a 50 percent standard is proof of concept that a major economy can be run on renewables."

The advanced energy industry actively supported SB 350, including a lobby day in mid-August, where 30 advanced energy company representatives called on the Governor's office, Senate offices and Assembly members.

"Today marks the beginning of the next phase of leadership in building an advanced energy economy for California and the nation," said Graham Richard, CEO of Advanced Energy Economy, a national business association with many member companies operating in California. "As signed by Governor Brown, this law will take California to new heights in renewable energy and energy efficiency, setting the pace for the nation. California has already shown that ambitious energy and climate goals drive innovation, creating economic growth and jobs. This new law will show that greater ambition produces greater economic rewards, for the state and the country."

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is taking an 'I'll believe it when I see it' stance on the legislations.

"With Governor Brown's signature on SB 350, California is once again showing the world what can and should be done to fight climate change," said Anne Notthoff, NRDC director. "But our work is not done. Reaching the targets established in law today will require a heavy dose of California's innovative spirit and grit…"

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