Governor of California Commits to 100% Clean Energy by 2045

Published on September 19, 2018

The Governor of California, Jerry Brown, has signed a bill that requires the state of California to have all electricity be powered from carbon-free sources by 2045. This bill marks California as the largest global economy committing to 100% clean energy so far, and sends a clear message that the state supports the Paris agreement to combat climate change. This bill is in opposition to President Donald Trump’s decision last year to withdraw from the agreement, due to concerns that it would hurt the economy.

The bill will also require utilities to source 60% of their power from renewable energy before the end of 2030, and has raised concerns for Utility Pacific Gas & Electric spokeswoman Lynsey Paulo. She believes the new law could inflate customer bills and make the electrical grid less reliable. According to the California Energy Commission, 32% of retail electricity in California was sourced from renewable energy facilities, meaning the state is already on its way to achieving its goal for the end of 2030.

Environmental activists, renewable energy companies, and public health groups have all extended their support for the bill.