In Historic Term California Gov. Makes Historic Promise—50% Renewables in 2030

(Photo by:solar powered pump)
California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) became the first governor in California to serve 4 terms—his first two were in the 1970’s, But with ambitious propositions, including sourcing half of California’s electric needs with renewables in the next 15 years he comes roaring back in like a lion.

“Neither California nor indeed the world itself can ignore the growing assault on the very systems of nature on which human beings and other forms of life depend,” Brown said at his swearing in. “California has the most far-reaching environmental laws of any state and the most integrated policy to deal with climate change of any political jurisdiction in the Western Hemisphere.”Jerry Brown being sworn in for 4th term. Courtesy Brown's office

Brown stated that the state is already on track to source one-third of its electricity from renewables by 2020. “We are well on our way to meeting our AB 32 goal of reducing carbon pollution and limiting the emissions of heat-trapping gases to 431 million tons by 2020,” he said. That’s thanks to a strong focus on renewable energy and solar policy that has created hundreds of thousands of jobs across the state. “But now, it is time to establish our next set of objectives for 2030 and beyond.

“I propose three ambitious goals to be accomplished within the next 15 years,” he said. “Increase from one-third to 50 percent our electricity derived from renewable sources; reduce today's petroleum use in cars and trucks by up to 50 percent and; double the efficiency of existing buildings and make heating fuels cleaner.”

“I envision a wide range of initiatives: more distributed power, expanded rooftop solar, micro-grids, an energy imbalance market, battery storage, the full integration of information technology and electrical distribution and millions of electric and low-carbon vehicles,” Brown said. “How we achieve these goals and at what pace will take great thought and imagination mixed with pragmatic caution. It will require enormous innovation, research and investment. And we will need active collaboration at every stage with our scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, businesses and officials at all levels.”

One of the chief concerns for Brown and legislators as they move forward is making sure that far-reaching environmental policy like this doesn’t hurt the state’s economy. He called on both sides of the aisle to work with him to enact policy that will allow the state to reach the goals.