The state of California has passed regulation requiring it to produce half its electricity from renewable sources and doubling of energy efficiency in buildings by 2030.
Governor Jerry Brown signed into law the bill. Earlier this year, he issued an executive order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in California to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030.
“California has taken groundbreaking steps to increase the efficiency of our cars, buildings and appliances and provide ever more renewable energy,” said Governor Brown. “With SB 350, we deepen our commitment.”
The legislation is an important step in the state’s landmark plan to cut climate-warming pollution. It also establishes state policy to promote transportation electrification to meet the state’s climate and clean air goals.
“Today, California is laying the groundwork for a healthier and sustainable future for all of our families,” said Senate President pro Tempore De León. “We are showing the world through innovation how we can transition and increase access to renewable energy while cleaning up the air we breathe, especially in our most polluted communities.”
SB 350 builds on California’s current 33 percent renewables portfolio standard, signed into law by Governor Brown in 2011.
Governor Brown first announced the goals codified in SB 350 in his inaugural address this year, in which he also committed to reduce today’s petroleum use in cars and trucks by up to 50 percent within the next 15 years; make heating fuels cleaner; reduce the release of methane, black carbon and other potent pollutants across industries; and manage farm and rangelands, forests and wetlands so they can store carbon.
Earlier this year, the Governor issued an executive order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in California 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 – the most ambitious target in North America and consistent with California’s existing commitment to reduce emissions 80 percent under 1990 levels by 2050.