2024 clean energy priorities for California

Back in 2018, California set its sights on generating 100% of its electricity from clean sources by passing SB 100, requiring the state to reach this milestone by 2045. Today, in 2024, we have the opportunity and the obligation to implement policies that encourage more deployment of clean energy infrastructure and expand the considerable environmental and health benefits to more Californians than ever.

Dirty energy from fossil fuels causes considerable air and climate pollution, which is why we must move quickly toward clean, renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. In 2023 we saw significant progress on clean energy in California. It’s time to build on this momentum in 2024 by phasing out fossil fuels faster and tapping into renewable resources like the sun and the wind to generate more of our power.

Stand up for rooftop solar

Photo by Roschetzky-Photography | Shutterstock.com

Rooftop solar has long been the workhorse of California’s clean energy transition. In 2019 California built its millionth solar roof, and now at the start of 2024 we’re closing in on 2 million solar roofs. California leads the nation in solar power capacity, in large part due to supportive policies that have helped rooftop solar flourish. However, recent regulatory attacks slashing the state’s successful rooftop solar incentive program have caused new installations to plummet, decreasing by about 80% year over year since the changes went into effect in April, 2023. 

It’s time to save rooftop solar in California. Every sunny rooftop without solar panels is a missed opportunity. State leaders should ensure that California’s policies encourage more rooftop solar growth, not less. We also need more support for solar paired with batteries, which store extra solar energy for use later in the day when the sun stops shining. 

Go big on offshore wind

Offshore wind turbinesPhoto by Nicholas Doherty | Unsplash.com

Offshore wind energy presents a vast, untapped resource that can significantly contribute to California’s renewable energy portfolio. In 2022 California made a historic goal to generate enough offshore wind energy to power 25 million homes by 2045. Many hurdles remain for the state to realize its significant offshore wind potential.

We must continue to prioritize offshore wind development to harness the strong and consistent winds along our coastline. The state’s final AB 525 report, expected early this year, will outline a strategic plan for California’s offshore wind development. State leaders should carefully consider recommendations from the report and make much-needed investments in port infrastructure and transmission upgrades to ensure that offshore wind development thrives in the coming years. 

End oil and gas subsidies and make polluters pay

Photo by Robert Lucian Crusitu | Shutterstock.com

Today California faces a dual threat from the fossil fuel industry: pollution from oil and gas wells that harms the environment and public health, and financial liability from an industry that benefits from potentially billions in state subsidies and tax benefits all while increasingly leaving taxpayers on the hook to clean up abandoned orphan oil wells.

Governor Newsom took a great first step by proposing to cut three oil and gas subsidies in his January state budget proposal. But many fossil fuel subsidies remain. State leaders should cut all subsidies for the oil and gas industry in 2024 and invest those funds in climate and clean energy programs instead.

Defend the climate budget

Photo by Ricky Mackie | TPIN

California faces a significant state budget deficit in 2024, and that puts funding for key climate and environmental programs at risk. Gov. Newsom’s proposed January budget would cut or delay billions in funding for clean air and clean energy programs meant to stave off the worst impacts of the climate crisis.

Gov. Newsom and the legislature must work together to restore funding for clean air and climate programs for a cleaner, better future for all Californians.

Reach 100% clean energy faster with more efficient electric transmission

Photo by Varistor60 | CC-BY-SA-4.0

The aging transmission wires that make up California’s electric grid require substantial upgrades to handle all the new electricity needed to achieve 100% clean energy. The state’s outdated, inefficient wires are more prone to starting destructive wildfires, and they cannot keep up with all the clean energy being added to the grid each year. Common sense upgrades to get the most out of our current system will reduce the new transmission infrastructure needed to reach our goals.

Adopting “grid enhancing technologies” helps maximize the capacity of existing power lines, a low-cost way to keep clean energy flowing to where it is needed. Upgrading, or “reconductoring,” old lines can potentially double their capacity without increasing the footprint of transmission towers or triggering costly and time-consuming permitting processes. It’s time to “unlock” new renewable energy by using existing wires more efficiently and making smart upgrades to increase transmission capacity.