California lawmakers are running out of time to decide whether the state's energy diet will be greener by 2045. And renewable energy advocates are pushing for the measure which could significantly change the kind of energy consumed in the state.
Senate Bill 100 commits California to using 100 percent renewable or carbon neutral energy by 2045.
A national non-profit sustainability group is among those pushing for the change because the group argues California is the right place to try it.
"You know, it is an ambitious goal, definitely not going to argue with that. But California has proven that it can meet and exceed ambitious goals and at the same time continue economic growth," said Kirsten James, CERES policy director.
If the bill is approved, California would join Hawaii as the only other state to set the 100 percent carbon neutral energy goal.
"California really is at the forefront. In 2006 we passed our first climate policy and we've seen a lot of success since then, so California has really proven and demonstrated that leadership around climate and I think it'll do so again," said James.
The fossil fuel industry opposes the bill, as do two of the state's investor-owned utilities.
A Pacific Gas and Electric spokeswoman is worried the push for 100 percent carbon neutral energy will be expensive and force her customers to pay higher bills.
