California Lawmakers Introduce Major Package Of Bills To Tackle Climate Change

California, which has long been known as a leader in finding ways to cut its contribution to climate change, just one-upped itself.

On Monday, Democratic lawmakers in the state unveiled a package of four bills that aim to tackle climate change in the state. One of the bills, SB 350, calls for a 50 percent reduction in petroleum use in cars and trucks, a 50 percent increase in energy efficiency in buildings, and a goal of 50 percent of state utilities’ power coming from renewable energy, all by 2030. Current California law requires utilities get 33 percent of their energy from renewable sources, such as wind and solar, by 2050. SB 350’s goals are virtually the same as the ones called for by California Gov. Jerry Brown in his inaugural address in January.

“These all send a very strong message, a strong signal to California businesses, and leave no doubt in the direction we’re heading in,” California Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon said of SB 350 in a press conference announcing the climate change package. “We need to move the state away from fossil fuels and free consumers from the grip of oil prices…the fact is, an economy built on fossil fuels is an economy built on shifting sand.”

February 11, 2015