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What does California’s Clean Energy Jobs and Affordability Act Do?
Lawmakers point to interim goals and state leadership as key steps to ramp up California’s ambitions to address climate change
In the last week of the 2022 California legislative session, California lawmakers passed the Clean Energy, Jobs, and Affordability Act (SB 1020).
This bill adds momentum to a movement that aims to power the lives of Californians with clean renewable energy. So, what does the Clean Energy, Jobs, and Affordability Act do?
SB 1020 sets critical interim targets to keep California on track as it moves us toward 100% clean energy for our electrical system.Bob Wieckowski
California State Senator
What does the Clean Energy, Jobs, and Affordability Act do?
Codifies interim clean energy goals on the road to 100% clean energy by 2045
With the passage of SB 100 in 2018, California committed to meeting 100% of its electricity needs with clean energy by 2045.
But 2045 is still several decades away. Interim goals between now and then will help make sure California stays on track toward powering our lives with clean energy by mid-century.
That’s why the Clean Energy, Jobs, and Affordability Act is a big deal. On top of existing state law requiring 60% renewable energy by 2030, this bill codifies a goal for California to hit 90% clean energy by 2035 and 95% clean energy by 2040. These targets are consistent with planning happening at the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) and other state agencies. Codified interim goals will ensure California hits its 100% clean energy goals in a timely and organized manner.
Makes sure state agencies ‘walk the walk’ on clean energy adoption
The Clean Energy, Jobs, and Affordability Act requires all state agencies to use 100% renewable energy and zero-carbon resources to serve their own facilities by 2035.
This “walk the talk” provision of the bill will not only create more demand for clean energy, but also put the state in a position to capitalize on clean energy resources, such as geothermal and offshore wind.
Gov. Gavin Newsom, who asked the legislature to establish the pathway to a clean energy future, is expected to sign the bill in the near future.
I am proud to support SB 1020 which creates the benchmarks we need to meet California’s ambitious clean energy goals. This legislation ensures that we act both quickly and decisively to protect our planet.Dave Min
California State Senator
It is time to expedite California’s Climate Plan by leading the charge to transition to clean-energy technology.Sydney Kamlager
California State Senator
I am proud to support The Clean Energy Jobs and Affordability Act of 2022, a landmark piece of legislation that centers equity and access to high-quality jobs in our state’s long-term climate change resilience and adaptation planning.Dave Cortese
California State Senator
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Authors
Johanna Neumann
Senior Director, Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy, Environment America
Johanna directs strategy and staff for Environment America's energy campaigns at the local, state and national level. In her prior positions, she led the campaign to ban smoking in all Maryland workplaces, helped stop the construction of a new nuclear reactor on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and helped build the support necessary to pass the EmPOWER Maryland Act, which set a goal of reducing the state’s per capita electricity use by 15 percent. She also currently serves on the board of Community Action Works. Johanna lives in Amherst, Massachusetts, with her family, where she enjoys growing dahlias, biking and the occasional game of goaltimate.
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