| September 12, 2009 |  |
Renewable Electricity Boost Clear California Legislature
SACRAMENTO (September, 12 2009) — Today, the California legislature passed Senate Bill (SB) 14 and Assembly Bill (AB) 64, which would require California utilities to acquire 33 percent of their electricity from renewable energy by 2020, a boost from the state's current 20 percent requirement by the end of next year.
"This legislation puts California back in the lead for using clean, green electricity" said Laura Wisland, an energy analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists. "If these bills becomes law, California will generate enough renewable energy to power every home in California."
The proposed 33 percent renewable electricity standard could reduce global warming emissions in the state by as much as 12.8 million metric tons, or the equivalent of eliminating the need for 10 to 15 new conventional large fossil-fueled power plants, according to the California Public Utilities Commission.
"The legislature acted today to modernize and clean up California's energy system," said Wisland. "This will help power up California's green economy by creating jobs, saving money, and cleaning the air. We applaud the legislature for today's action and the Governor for his leadership on this issue and urge a signature."
If today's renewable electricity legislation is signed into law, California will use more megawatthours of renewable electricity than any other state. Twenty-six other states and Washington, D.C., also have renewable electricity standards. According to the Department of Energy, renewable standards spurred approximately half of the new U.S. wind power capacity from 2001 to 2006. In addition, the latest Energy Information Administration (EIA) Electric Power Monthly Report shows net U.S. electrical generation from renewable sources reached an all-time high this May, comprising 13 percent of the total electrical generation for the month.
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.
