New California law mandates 100% carbon-free energy by 2045 News
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New California law mandates 100% carbon-free energy by 2045

California Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 100 [bill text] into law on Monday, which mandates a goal of a 100 percent renewable energy supply by 2045.

Brown said [press release], “This bill and the executive order put California on a path to meet the goals of Paris and beyond. It will not be easy. It will not be immediate. But it must be done.”

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will implement a plan so that all energy suppliers in California are able to provide renewable energy resources and zero-carbon resources in increments over the next 25 years. In 2026 the state plans to achieve at least a 50 percent renewable benchmark, and then 60percent by 2030. The mandates are to be achieved by December 31 of the applicable year.

The PUC and the Energy Commission will also issue a joint report to the California Legislature by January 1, 2021, and every four years after, that includes specified information relating to the implementation of the policy.

Last week Brown also signed legislation [JURIST report] to block additional federal offshore drilling.

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