Without major improvements and investments in clean energy, air board officials previously said California would have to keep relying on natural gas. That means backup dispatchable power is needed to account for energy losses when wind and solar can’t produce enough electricity. But supplementing that power source with renewables continues to face challenges.Įlectricity use is expected to soar as much as 68% by 2045 in California under the state’s proposed plan.

Shifting away from fossil fuels is central to the state’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality. “Achieving carbon neutrality is California’s most ambitious climate goal ever,” she said.”It requires slashing our greenhouse gas emissions and an unprecedented deployment of low-carbon technology and energy.”Ĭleaner electric power and more efficient homes 29 letter to Newsom, Randolph said the air board is “fully committed” to taking the necessary steps to reduce emissions as quickly as possible. Liane Randolph, Air Resources Board chair The plan will be an incredibly ambitious and actionable blueprint for climate action in our state.” “We now need to take even bolder action than outlined in the draft plan. “Time and time again, California has shown the world that climate action and economic growth can work hand in hand,” Newsom said in a July 22 letter to Air Resources Board Chair Liane Randolph. The governor’s push for more action to address climate change comes as the state faces more extreme heat, drought and wildfires. The air board’s move to strengthen the scoping plan builds off Newsom’s call for more stringent climate measures that he pushed the Legislature to pass before the session ended last week. During this week’s prolonged heatwave, California has teetered on the edge of rolling blackouts triggered by demand for electricity surpassing supply.

The goal is to scale up renewables yet stabilize the electric grid’s reliability. Newsom directed the air board to include a provision that avoids the need for 10 gigawatts of new natural gas production by ramping up construction of offshore wind projects. They now expect to hold a second public hearing and vote in mid-December.Ī major strategy is to reduce greenhouse gases by accelerating California’s transition to renewable energy. Air board officials have delayed taking action on the plan until the end of the year, instead of later this month as scheduled.

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