100% Clean Energy Bill Heads to Assembly Floor Again

Legislation pushing up California’s renewable mandate to 60 percent by 2030, with another 40 percent of the electricity portfolio to come from emissions-free resources by 2045, passed the Assembly Utilities & Energy Committee.

The 11-4 approval of SB 100 July 3 was met with loud applause.

“It is the most ambitious target in the world for an economy that dwarfs nearly all others,” said Sen. Kevin de León, SB 100 author.

“Clean energy,” added the Los Angeles Democrat “is an extraordinary success story, employing half a million Californians, and producing ten times more” jobs than America’s coal industry.

“It is a bold and necessary step to save our planet,” said Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance).

Under the revised SB 100, what resources qualify as carbon-free electricity for the remaining 40 percent of the mandate is to be determined. It currently includes hydropower resources greater than 30 MW, which do not count as renewable under the current state renewable standard. The last 40 percent of emissions-free resources could include nuclear power, though that’s doubtful given the closure of the state’s two last nuclear plants.

“It is a planning goal,” de León said of the last 40 percent of SB 100’s mandate. Nuclear power, he noted, could be included, but there are questions whether “it makes sense economically.”

Opponents insisted the push to a fossil-free electricity standard would drive up utility bills and was too much too soon, given that the state has yet to reach the 50 percent renewable standard now set for 2030.

“This is a leap of faith and a gamble,” warned Assemblymember Jim Patterson (R-Fresno).

PG&E’s lobbyist added the utility is already under huge financial strain because of liability from state wildfires, and SB 100 will only make matters worse.

Assemblymember Bill Quirk (D-Hayward) acknowledged the opponents’ cost concerns. But he criticized them for supporting unfettered direct access because it would financially hurt the private utilities.

He added that utility liability arising from wildfires “can’t be addressed in this bill” and is being tackled elsewhere.

Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella), who supported SB 100, insisted its fate be tied to regionalizing California’s grid, and resource diversification, including use of Salton Sea geothermal resources.

Last September, SB 100 was re-referred to the committee for further consideration following amendments on the Assembly Floor. — Elizabeth McCarthy

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100% Clean Energy Bill Heads to Assembly Floor Again

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