| September 1, 2010 |  |
California 33 Percent Renewable Energy Bill Dies in Legislature
Statement by Laura Wisland, Union of Concerned Scientists
BERKELEY (September 1, 2010) – The California Legislature failed late last night to pass SB 722 by State Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto). The Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) legislation would have required all utilities in California to obtain at least 33 percent of their electricity from clean, renewable sources, such as the wind and sun, by 2020. The bill passed the Assembly, but the State Senate ran out of time before the deadline to vote. The legislative session ended on August 31.
Below is a statement by Laura Wisland, energy analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).
“We are extremely disappointed and bewildered that the Legislature could not pass a 33 percent renewable energy bill this session, despite the unquestionable need to finish the job on the Renewables Portfolio Standard this year.
“We urge the governor to call a special session and make the state a world-class leader in clean energy by passing a 33 percent RPS. Renewable energy is one of the bright spots in our economy and we can't abandon it now. Let's finish the job.”
For more information, see the UCS fact sheet, “California Renewable Electricity Standard.”
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.
