– For Immediate Release –
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California 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.
Ria Coen Gilbert, CALPIRG Students board chair issued this statement:
“As young people across California face droughts, wildfires, and air pollution, we are living and breathing the reality of climate change. We know that the climate crisis is the problem of our generation, one that requires immediate action towards a 100 percent clean energy future and Newsom’s announcement is a step in the right direction.
“Over one hundred influential California decision makers and thought leaders joined together in urging the governor to accelerate the state’s clean energy timeline, through the Voices for 100% project. And over 20,000 California students from the UC, CSU and private universities across the state have signed petitions calling for the Governor to speed up our transition to 100 percent clean energy.
“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 percent by 2030 and net-zero carbon by 2035, and protecting California’s foundational solar incentive program, net energy metering.”
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