Causecast

by JEFF FOSTER, Contributing Writer, Stand-up Comedian and Editor of TheLean.org

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has pledged to veto two new bills passed by the state legislature in September that would have required all California electricity providers to obtain 33% of their energy from renewable sources by 2020. The bills, SB 14 and AB 64, would have augmented existing state law, which currently requires 20% of the state’s electricity to be renewable by 2010.

Schwarzenegger’s main point of contention was the bills’ requirement on proportions of energy imported from out-of-state. The bills contain provisions that would set limits on how much of the 33% requirement could be met by renewable energy generated outside of California. The governor’s objections reflect those of the bills’ other opponents, including the Independent Energy Producers Association, who believe that curbing California utility company’s out-of-state energy purchases would limit supply and push prices upward.

Supporters of the renewable energy bills, such as the Consumer Federation of California, believe that forcing suppliers to buy in-state energy would boost employment and improve the state’s troubled economy.

Instead of signing the bills, the governor is likely to issue an executive order reiterating the 33% requirement, but probably setting no limit on how much of California’s renewable energy can be imported to meet the goal. Either way, California’s reputation as a leader in modern environmental legislation will be bolstered by the more stringent requirements. If computers, vehicle emissions laws, and medical marijuana have taught us anything, it’s that when California leads, the rest of the nation follows.

The public may be growing ever-more aware of the global warming crisis, but the situation is an emergency, and the free market isn’t going to respond fast enough – we need government action. Governor Schwarzenegger, do your political thing. As long as we’re slowing down greenhouse gas emissions, I don’t care which government branch gets to take credit.

Photo by Nate Mandos, flickr.