California Aims to Get All Electricity From Clean Sources
Gov. Jerry Brown, who has positioned the state as a global leader in renewable energy efforts, signs legislation setting 2045 as the target year for ending the use of fossil fuels.SACRAMENTO, Calif.—California has set a goal of phasing out fossil fuels from the state’s electricity sector by 2045 under legislation signed Monday by Gov. Jerry Brown.
Brown, who has positioned California as a global leader in the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, approved the measure as he prepares to host a summit in San Francisco of climate change leaders from around the world later this week.
The renewable energy measure would require California’s utilities to generate 60 percent of their energy from wind, solar and other specific renewable sources by 2030. That’s 10 percent higher than the current mandate.
The goal would then be to use only carbon-free sources to generate electricity by 2045. It’s merely a goal, with no mandate or penalty for falling short.
“It’s not going to be easy and will not be immediate, but it must be done,” Brown said. “California is committed to doing whatever is necessary to meet the existential threat of climate change.”
Phasing out fossil fuels would be a massive change in the energy grid. Utilities rely on natural gas plants to meet demand when renewables fall short, particularly in the early evening when the sun sets and people turn on their air conditioners as they get home from work.
Utilities are already dealing with an abundance of solar energy during peak times, which must be offloaded to other states when there’s not enough demand locally for the power.
Renewable energy experts have looked to batteries that can store solar energy generated in the afternoon as one possible solution, but the technology is not ready for wide-scale deployment.
Brown has often faced criticism that he’s too cozy with the oil industry, including from environmental groups that plan to protest at the San Francisco summit.
Critics say the renewable energy goal is not realistic and worry that individuals and businesses will face higher energy prices.
The measure was written by Democratic Sen. Kevin de Leon, a Los Angeles Democrat who is running for U.S. Senate against Sen. Dianne Feinstein.
WAIT, BEFORE YOU GO…If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.
Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.
Environment
Companies like Apple, Exxon, and Chevron will be required to report their greenhouse gas emissions to do business in the Golden State.
Politics
Butler previously served as the head of a major SEIU local. But she also represented Uber as it fought efforts to classify drivers as employees.
News
The California Governor is expected to appoint a Black woman to fill the Senate seat, at least temporarily. There are currently no Black women in the Senate.
Immigration
Individuals confined in two detention centers are fighting for better wages and conditions while building momentum to shut down for-profit immigrant jails for good.
Environment
As companies with billionaire backing buy in, frontline communities weigh the economics with health and environment.
Women
The state has only approved compensation to 101 people, though hundreds more are believed to be eligible.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.