Jerry Brown on Wednesday signed a pared-down climate change measure that will increase renewable energy generation and make buildings more energy efficient.
The legislation, SB 350 by Senate leader Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles), was amended to remove a third component that would have required reduced gasoline use on California roads. The battle over the controversial proposal dominated the closing weeks of the legislative session last month.
Despite ceding some ground in a tug-of-war with oil companies, Brown and De León have touted the remaining parts of the legislation as significant steps in California’s fight against climate change.
Brown said the law would help the state lead a worldwide effort and improve the health of Californians.
"This is big," he said. "It’s big because it’s global in scope. It’s also big because it’s local in application."
A quick guide to California's climate change battle
Chris Megerianneed to invest in storage technology and other initiatives
California's battle against climate change involves an alphabet soup of agencies responsible for different programs and several key laws that guide state actions. Here's a glossary:
SB 350: This bill is now law, signed by Gov. Jerry Brown in Los Angeles on Wednesday. It sets two targets for 2030...
California's battle against climate change involves an alphabet soup of agencies responsible for different programs and several key laws that guide state actions. Here's a glossary:
SB 350: This bill is now law, signed by Gov. Jerry Brown in Los Angeles on Wednesday. It sets two targets for 2030...
(Chris Megerian)
The bill will require California to generate 50% of its electricity from renewable sources such as solar and wind by 2030, up from the current target of 33% by 2020.
“We’re mainstreaming clean power," De León said. No matter where Californians live, “you will have the same access to clean electricity and clean air.”
The state’s target is expected to stimulate the development of more solar and wind power plants, but it will also raise new challenges. Renewable energy can be unreliable because it's impossible to predict when the sun shines or the wind blows, and experts say California will to ensure the right amount of electricity is available when it's needed.
The state will also need to become twice as energy efficient by 2030 under the new law. For existing buildings, that could include installing newer appliances or improving heating and air conditioning systems.
“What we’re trying to do is facilitate, where necessary, the marketplace for energy efficiency, for building upgrades, for remodels," said Andrew McAllister, a commissioner at the California Energy Commission.
Above is from: Gov. Brown signs climate change bill to spur renewable energy, efficiency standards - LA Times
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