03/29/2024

Opinion: California Goes All In — 100% Renewable Energy By 2045

California is one step closer to a 100% renewable future, one that aims to reduce pollution and cut carbon emissions, while increasing jobs in the renewable energy field.

The ambitious plan set forth by Senate President Kevin de León (D) would set limits on California’s hydrocarbon consumption and aim to gradually increase renewable energy consumption in the coming decades. It would set in place a goal to produce 50% renewable energy by 2030 and 100% renewable energy by 2045.

California has the largest GDP of any state in the United States at $2.6 trillion, roughly 14% of the entire nation’s GDP. A transition of California’s powerhouse economy to 100% renewables is a monumental task and will make it hard for other states to not take notice. Massachusetts is another state that is considering a bill requiring 100% renewable energy use by 2050.

This comes at a time when President Trump has pulled the United States out of many climate policies, including the Paris Agreement. Jerry Brown is determined to show the world that California’s energy future will not be dictated by the sitting president. Given the 180-degree change in climate policy from President Obama to Trump, it is not surprising states must decide in the short term their own stance and actions associated with climate change.

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