Laura Deehan
State Director, Environment California
[email protected]
Statement: Gov. Newsom announces he is accelerating California’s progress to climate goals
Media Contacts
Urges state agencies to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035 and accelerate timeline to get to 100% clean energy
Environment California Research and Policy Center
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gov. Gavin Newsom announced during a meeting with climate scientists that he is directing California state agencies to accelerate California’s progress toward its nation-leading climate goals.
According to his press release:
To meet the urgency of the climate crisis, Governor Newsom has requested the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) to accelerate California’s progress toward its nation-leading climate goals. At the Governor’s request, CARB will evaluate pathways for the state to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035 – in advance of the 2045 target – including strategies to reduce fossil fuel demand and supply. The CPUC will work to establish a more ambitious greenhouse gas emissions target for electricity procurement by 2030, stepping up the state’s pace in achieving zero carbon electricity.
Laura Deehan, Environment California State Director issued this statement:
“As the state faces another weekend heat wave, a statewide drought emergency and a wildfire season that is already worse than last year, the need for bold action on climate is at the forefront. California must lead the nation to get to a 100% clean energy future, and speeding up the timeline for action is crucial.
“Over one hundred influential California decision makers and thought leaders have joined together in urging the governor to accelerate the state’s clean energy timeline, through the Voices for 100% project. And tens of thousands of Californians have signed a petition calling for the governor to set the goal to get to 100% clean energy by 2030.
“Tonight’s announcement is an important next step. The governor should quickly go further by taking executive action to formally move up the timeline to get to 100% by 2030 and net-zero carbon by 2035, and protecting California’s foundational solar incentive program, net energy metering.”
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Environment California works for clean air, clean water, clean energy, wildlife and open spaces, and a livable climate. Our members across the state put grassroots support behind our research and advocacy. Environment California is part of Environment America, a national network of 29 state environmental groups. For more information about Environment California visit: www.environmentcalifornia.org.
Environment California is part of The Public Interest Network, which operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to social change.