No, California’s new Renewable Portfolio Standard legislation didn’t pass. Yes, the state is more firmly committed to solar power integration and clean energy than ever.
We’re sure you get your solar news from many sources, but here at GetSolar, Connie has been keeping us updated on the furor over Governor Schwarzenegger’s refusal to sign legislation that would have boosted the state’s RPS. Lawmakers aren’t happy: its overturn was the bitter end of a lot of hard work. Instead of signing the bill that came to him hot off the Senate floor, the Governor issued Executive Order S21-09 mandating that the state achieve 33% of its energy portfolio from renewable sources by 2020. The heart of the problem, as the Governor’s press release outlines, is this:
…if passed, the state standard could be held up in legal battles because the bills violate the U.S. Constitution’s commerce clause by restricting the sale of energy across state lines.
The executive order is intended to make it easier for carbon-hungry entities to purchase RECs or clean energy from other Western states in order to meet their RPS goals. After a lot of legal-ese (which you’re welcome to read through in the link to the press release above), the executive order boils down to this:
WHEREAS increased use of renewable electricity is one of the most promising means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector and meet California’s 2050 greenhouse gas reduction goals…The ARB [Air Resources Board] shall establish the highest priority for those resources that provide the greatest environmental benefits with the least environmental costs and impacts on public health that can be developed most quickly and that support reliable, efficient, cost-effective electricity system operations including resources and facilities located throughout the Western Interconnection.
Smart grid integration and solar power, together, can provide exactly what the state is looking for. It’s an unexpected turn for California and there may be political ramifications for a long time to come, but it’s clear that the Governator is staying true to his commitment to clean energy.
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