California Adopts One of Nation's Highest Renewable Energy Mandates

Gov. Jerry Brown signed stripped-down legislation that sets a target for the state of generating 50 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and doubling energy efficiency standards in buildings by the same year.

2 minute read

October 13, 2015, 11:00 AM PDT

By Irvin Dawid


"The law, signed [Oct. 7] by Gov. Jerry Brown, accelerates California’s shift away from fossil fuels as its dominant source of energy and marks another milestone in the state’s fight against climate change," writes David R. Baker, energy and clean tech reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle.

Credit: Clean Energy Authority.com

“We’ve got to realize that we are here today because of oil — oil and gas, to a lesser extent, coal,” Brown said at a signing ceremony overlooking a hazy Los Angeles from the Griffith Observatory. “What has been the source of our prosperity has become the source of our ultimate destruction, if we don’t get off of it.”

While the state's utilities are clearly on a path toward renewables and away from fossil fuels, the same can not be said for its drivers, notwithstanding the increase in electric vehicles (EVs) on the road. "For the first time since 2006, gasoline consumption in California increased from the prior fiscal year," notes a Dec. 4, 2014 post. " From July 2013 through June 2014, consumption increased 1 percent."

The third element of SB 350 would have addressed that increase by setting a state target of cutting oil consumption in half by 2030, but it proved too controversial for moderate Democrats so it was removed. However, all is not lost as the bill contains a "less noticed section that delivers a big boost for zero-emission vehicles," writes Assemblyman Rich Gordon (D-Menlo Park) in an Opinion for the San Francisco Chronicle.

Electric vehicle provisions in the legislation serve as an alternate, additional and electrifying route toward reducing fossil-fuel dependence and air pollution...The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will soon be determining what role the electric utilities will play in the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

The commission also must allow property owners and not utilities to choose the electric vehicle charging equipment and services best suited for their individual site. Anyone who drives an electric vehicle in California now, or anticipates driving one in California in the future, has something to gain from having a choice when they pull into a parking spot to charge up.

The 50 percent target is not the nation's highest renewable portfolio standard.

Other states have adopted their own renewable power goals, a few of them higher than California’s. This year, Hawaii passed legislation calling for 100 percent renewable electricity by 2045, while Vermont set a requirement of 75 percent renewable power by 2032. 

A related bill expands the powerful, 12-member California Air Resources Board (CARB) to include a member appointed by the Senate Rules Committee and one by the speaker of the Assembly. It came as a surprise that Brown signed AB 1288, according to a Sacramento Bee "Capitol Alert".

Hat tip to Jackie@ClimatePlan

Wednesday, October 7, 2015 in SF Gate

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Two yellow and white Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail streetcars at station in Dallas, Texas.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region

At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

April 3, 2025 - KERA News

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Aerial view of Spanish revival style buildings with red tile roofs in downtown Santa Barbara, California.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land

County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

7 hours ago - The Santa Barbara Independent

Green and white interstate freeway signs pointing to Hayward and San Mateo and Half Moon Bay exits in Northern California.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project

The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

April 9 - Streetsblog San Francisco

Kingsbridge Armory, large hangar-like brick building in the Bronx, New York City with brick lower floors and glass/metal curved roof..

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard

After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.

April 9 - Shelterforce Magazine