State legislation that would give California one of the most ambitious renewable energy standards in the country is on its way to Gov. Jerry Brown’s desk. The bill requires all utilities to get at least 33 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020.
The bill passed the Assembly Tuesday. It passed the Senate last month. Democratic Assemblyman Jared Huffman said the timing is right.
“We need only look at Japan and the Middle East today to see that there is a tremendous cost of not moving California down this path,” said Huffman.
But some Republicans opposed the bill. Assemblyman Dan Logue said it will hurt businesses and the state’s economy.
“When I have to go out to the people of California who create all these jobs and tell them their energy costs are going to go up along with their taxes, they’re going to pack their bags and they’ll continue to leave this state,” said Logue.
Democratic Senator Joe Simitian wrote the bill. It’s the third time he’s tried to get the measure passed in California.
