| May 26, 2010 |  |
Obama Solar Plant Visit Underscores Need for State, Federal Policies
BERKELEY (May 26, 2010) — President Barack Obama's visit today to Solyndra, a Fremont, California, solar panel manufacturer, underscores the need for strong state and federal clean energy policies, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).
California law requires privately owned utilities to generate 20 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources this year, although the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has extended that deadline three years. Meanwhile, the state's climate change law, AB 32, includes policies that would increase clean energy production and bolster clean technology industries in the state. Unfortunately, a ballot initiative campaign funded by a handful of oil companies aims to cripple the law.
According to the CPUC, solar panels currently account for about 1 percent of the renewable energy generated to meet the state's renewable electricity law. However, California has more than 1,000 megawatts of new solar power poised for deployment, which could power approximately 1 million homes.
"President Obama is coming here because California has always led the nation on clean energy," said Dan Kalb, California policy manager at UCS. "Clean energy creates new jobs, attracts high-tech investment and clears the air. California voters should reject the oil industry's ballot initiative so we can keep moving forward building a 21st century clean energy economy right here at home."
At the federal level, a bill introduced by Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) would put a cap on carbon emissions, but it would not include a strong renewable electricity standard or adequate funding for renewable electricity development, according to UCS's review of the bill. That's a missed opportunity, according to a UCS analysis (pdf). The analysis found that a national 25 percent renewable electricity by 2025 standard would, by 2025, create a net gain of 202,000 jobs, lower consumer electricity costs by $64.3 billion, and dramatically reduce the heat-trapping emissions that cause global warming.
Meanwhile, the Obama administration recently announced a process for creating new fuel economy standards. UCS has called on the administration and Congress to pass a comprehensive oil savings policies in the wake of the Gulf oil spill.
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.
