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California Governor sets target of 33% renewable energy by 2020

Yesterday the Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger signed in regulations that will see the state aim for 33% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020.

“Three years ago, I signed AB 32 and committed California to roll back our greenhouse gas emissions a nation-leading 25% by 2020. We’ve made a lot of progress since then, but we still have a lot of work to do to reach our goals,” said Governor Schwarzenegger.

The new executive order directs the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to set the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to 33% by 2020.

“With this investment in renewable energy projects, California has a bright energy future ahead that will help us fight climate change while driving our state’s green economy,” he added.

The move follows controversy over a bill passed by the California Senate last week with a similar aim that Schwarzenegger refused to sign saying the legislation was “unnecessarily complex” and would substantially increase costs.

The difference of opinion centres on the extent to which the renewable energy target can be met by importing clean energy from neighbouring states. The Senate’s bill sought to restrict this practice, which Schwarzenegger claims would limit the plans of some California energy companies to develop solar farms in the deserts of the southern US.

The new executive order will see CARB draw up detailed guidelines by the middle of next year.

For further information:
gov.ca.gov

17 September 2009

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