California is a state no stranger to renewable energy; it has emerged as a leader in devoting itself to relying increasingly on clean power. It now sets its sights even higher via a state Senate bill passed last Wednesday.
The new legislation by the name of Senate Bill 100 is enroute to the state Assembly. In its present form, it will require California to be run completely by renewable energy by the year 2045. Before then, it must reach 50 percent by 2026 and 60 percent by 2030. This bill would increase the current mark set for 50 percent by 2030. To put all of these numbers into perspective, California powered its cities and towns with 27 percent clean energy in 2016.
The Golden State Governor Jerry Brown (D) is traveling to China this week, where talks will continue about the energy future of his state. Brown, along with his fellow Democratic colleagues, is a vocal advocate of President Donald Trump, who last week gave a speech detailing the United States’ intent to back out of the Paris Climate Agreement.
One example is Senate President Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles), who stated, “When it comes to our clean air and climate change, we are not backing down.” León is the creator of the original bill that requires the state to reach 50 percent clean energy by 2030. He hopes to push California to set the pace for not only the United States, but the world as well.
Along with Hawaii, a state that will mandate complete clean energy reliance by 2045, California hopes to preserve its environment while putting its citizens to work in the process.
