Key Assembly Committee Votes for 100% Renewable Electricity by 2045

Environment California

Sacramento — The California Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy voted today in favor of a critical bill that will put California on the path to independence from dirty fossil fuels. Senate Bill 100, authored by Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León, will accelerate California’s current mandate to achieve 50 percent of its electricity from renewable sources from 2030 up to 2026; it will also establish that California will generate 60 percent renewable electricity by 2030 and 100 percent by 2045.

“Californians all across the state are energized about achieving a 100 percent renewable future, creating healthier communities today and a more livable future for our children,” said Michelle Kinman, Environment California’s Clean Energy Advocate. “We thank Chair Chris Holden and the Committee for standing with Californians and moving us all one step closer to a clean energy future.”

Scientists agree that we must stop burning virtually all fossil fuels by mid-century in order to spare children growing up today from the devastating impacts of climate change. Environment California Research & Policy Center’s white paper We Have the Power: 100% Renewable Energy for a Clean, Thriving America, reviews seven detailed studies on clean energy systems conducted by academics, government agencies and nonprofit organizations, showing that there are no insurmountable technological or economic barriers to tapping into our vast potential to achieve 100 percent renewable energy. It is no longer a question of whether we will get to 100 percent renewable power, but if it will be fast enough to protect our communities and our environment.

In 2015, Hawaii became the first state to commit to a 100 percent renewable electricity goal, to be achieved by 2045. Massachusetts also has a 100 percent renewables bill under consideration in the state legislature. This state level activity is complemented by a growing number of major businesses, institutions, and cities across the country that have committed to achieve 100 percent renewable energy. San Diego made international headlines in 2015 when it became the largest U.S. city to commit to achieve 100 percent renewable electricity by 2035.

SB 100 will now move to the Assembly Committee on Natural Resources for consideration tomorrow.

“As President Trump and his administration attempt to roll back decades of environmental progress, we know there’s no time to waste in moving to reduce pollution and complete the shift to 100 percent renewable energy,” said Kinman. “Now more than ever, California must go big on clean, renewable energy and set a strong example for other states to follow.”