California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program: emissions of greenhouse gases.
If enacted, SB 100 will have pervasive implications for how California's energy is produced and consumed. It will put pressure on retail sellers and locally owned electric utilities to procure increasing amounts of renewable energy while gradually reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Furthermore, the bill ensures that the pursuit of this clean energy goal does not lead to increased emissions elsewhere in the Western grid, requiring the Public Utilities Commission and related agencies to monitor their progress and implement strategies that maintain environmental integrity throughout the state and beyond.
Senate Bill No. 100, known as the 100 Percent Clean Energy Act of 2018, aims to significantly expand California's renewable energy standards. The bill seeks to ensure that 100% of the retail sales of electricity come from eligible renewable and zero-carbon resources by December 31, 2045. It revises previous targets in the California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program, advancing the deadlines for achieving 50% renewable energy to December 31, 2026, and setting a new goal for 60% by December 31, 2030. This ambitious change is part of California's broader effort to transition to a cleaner energy grid and combat climate change.
The reaction to SB 100 has been mostly positive among environmental advocates who view it as a significant step towards achieving a sustainable future for California. However, some utility companies and stakeholders express concerns regarding the feasibility of these targets, particularly regarding the economic implications and the potential burden on local electricity prices. There are apprehensions that rapid shifts in energy standards could challenge the reliability of the electricity grid, especially if not managed with adequate resources and infrastructure improvements.
One notable point of contention surrounding SB 100 is the management of hydroelectric power. The bill proposes to reduce the threshold for hydroelectric generation exemption from 50% to 40%, which some stakeholders oppose. They argue that this change may jeopardize existing hydroelectric facilities and affect their financial viability while complicating the transition to renewable energy sources. Additionally, the requirement that the transition to a zero-carbon system does not increase emissions elsewhere raises complex regulatory challenges that need to be navigated effectively.