Peter Grigsby, Governor's Office
California utilities must get a third of their energy from renewable sources such as solar and wind by 2020. That’s the mandate of an Executive Order signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Tuesday.
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The Governor says the new standard will help California meet its goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent over the next decade.
“This is really a great day today because we are creating major action to create more green jobs and more green energy.”
Under the Governor’s order, the state’s Air Resources Board will be in charge of the regulations to put the new standard in place. State lawmakers passed similar legislation last week. However, the Governor says he’ll veto the Democratic bill because the measure puts limits on purchasing renewable energy from other state.
"While my first preference is always a bipartisan legislative solution, California cannot afford to wait any longer.”
Democratic Leaders have asked him to reconsider. Senate Leader Darrell Steinberg says the Governor’s Order does not have the force of law and will cause confusion for the energy markets.