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The California legislature is currently debating a bill that would triple the amount of clean, renewable energy generated in the state. The bill would require all state utilities generate at least 33% of their electricity from technologies such as solar, wind and geothermal power by 2020. The legislative session ends and the end of August so there’s limited time to act.

Brief Summary

America needs a clean energy future and California has historically been the nation’s clean energy leader. After increasing our renewable energy resources to 12% over the past few years, it is high time for California to up our commitment to renewable energy, mandating a 33% by 2020 goal for the entire state. Doing so is not only good for our economy it is also a critical solution to global warming.

California has virtually unlimited potential to generate electricity from renewable sources of energy like wind and solar power.  In fact, California could be entirely powered by solar power given how much sunshine our state enjoys year-round.  At a minimum, Environment California is calling on state lawmakers to pass a 33% by 2020 Renewable Portfolio Standard law before this year’s legislative sessions ends in August 2008. California law already requires utilities to generate at least 20% of their electricity from renewable resources such as wind, solar and geothermal power by 2010 and it is currently a state goal to increase this minimum level to 33% by 2020. It is critical, however, that the legislature make this goal a mandate by passing legislation this year.