| June 24, 2010 |  |
California Renewable Electricity Bill Comes Back To Life, Passes First Assembly Committee
BERKELEY (June 24, 2010) – A California renewable energy bill that had been given up for dead last year is alive and well, following a 9 to 2 vote in favor today by the Assembly Utilities and Commerce Committee, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists. The bill (SB 722), introduced by State Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) would require the state to obtain 33 percent of its electricity from clean, renewable sources such as wind and solar power by 2020. The Legislature passed a similar bill last year, but Gov. Schwarzenegger vetoed it and signed an executive order with the same policy goal instead.
Simitian reintroduced his bill on March 10 after the administration, Legislature, utilities, renewable energy providers, environmental groups and other stakeholders agreed to intensify their efforts to renegotiate a policy that can get through the statehouse.
“Today’s vote shows renewed momentum to pass this bill into law,” said Laura Wisland, an energy analyst with the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). “The parties understand that a renewable energy mandate in statute is a superior solution because an executive order—no matter how well intentioned—could easily be undone by a future governor ”
Under current law, California’s investor-owned utilities are required to obtain 20 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by the end of this year. This policy, which is known as the state’s Renewables Portfolio Standard, is considered a critical component of the clean energy policies under California’s Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32), which aims to reduce the state’s global warming pollution to 1990 levels by 2020.
“Passing this bill will send a clear signal to renewable energy markets that California is open for business,” said Wisland. “Renewable energy developers need to convince financers that their projects will be good investments. Enshrining the state Renewable Portfolio Standard’s requirements into law will give investors the confidence they need to open their wallets.”
In addition to ensuring market certainty and cutting global warming pollution, Wisland said the 33 percent Renewable Portfolio Standard law also would improve air quality, save consumers money by reducing exposure to volatile fossil fuel prices, and stimulate the economy by creating green jobs.
The Assembly Natural Resources Committee is expected to consider SB 722 next Monday, June 28.
For more information, see the UCS backgrounder, “California Legislature to Reconsider 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.
