Regular readers (among others) will know that California is the nation’s clean energy leader. The state has on the books a law requiring that a fifth of all electricity come from renewable sources by 2010. A 2009 executive order by former Governor Schwarzenegger raised that target to 33 percent. But, thanks to procedural nuances, the Governator’s move could technically be rolled back. In order to still, the new (higher) renewable energy standard must pass formal legislative muster.
That’s what’s going on today, via Adam Browning of the Vote Solar Initiative:
Just got the word that today is the day that the California Assembly will take up SB 2x, a bill that would require utilities to procure to 33% of their electricity from renewable sources. The Senate has already passed it by a 26-11 margin, and Governor Brown has already said he will sign it. All that stands in the way of the strongest renewable standard in the country is a positive outcome in the Assembly. It’s a big deal, and it’s all going down this afternoon.
As of the time of this post, the Assembly has been in session for precisely 19 minutes. If you’re a California voter with a pro-solar mindset, you may want to mosey on over to Vote Solar to see how you can get involved.
UPDATE: The Assembly approved California’s 33 percent renewable portfolio standard! The bill will now be passed to Gov. Jerry Brown to be signed into law.
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