Several members from the California State Senate introduced a package of legislative proposals Tuesday intended to strengthen California’s leadership in powering a new clean-energy economy. The proposals include historic benchmarks for pollution reduction, energy efficiency, and petroleum use that will spur innovation and investment and maintain California’s lead in creating jobs in the advanced energy sector. This will be the first series of bills introduced by Senate Democrats to combat climate change and preserve the environment.

Details of the today’s proposals along with bill language, charts, articles, and statements from a broad coalition of supporters are online here: http://focus.senate.ca.gov/climate.

Fran Pavley

SB 32 (Pavley) sets an overarching climate pollution reduction target of 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. Setting clear, achievable climate pollution reduction targets in law and identifying priorities to guide implementation will provide critical accountability, as well as certainty to businesses investing for the long term in California. This commitment will also secure fees paid by polluters for the foreseeable future, in effect stabilizing revenues from our cap-and-trade system that go into energy efficiency, cleaner transportation, and investing in disproportionately impacted communities.

SB 350 (De León-Leno) executes on Governor Jerry Brown’s bold vision mentioned in this year’s State of the State to reduce petroleum use by 50%, have 50% of electricity come renewable sources, and increase energy efficiency in all existing buildings by 50% — all by the year 2030. State agencies and energy providers are already making steady progress towards these goals and setting these new “Golden State Standards” will allow them to marshal resources more effectively so their efforts can benefit all Californians. The state has a proven record of setting ambitious climate goals and growing our economy. These new targets will create incentives to invest in technologies and infrastructure that create sustainable a future for our communities and expand the market for clean-energy industries.

Keeping the focus on building the new economy of the future, SB 189 (Hueso) proposes a high-level expert Committee to advise and inform state clean energy and climate actions that ensure maximum job creation and economic benefits to all Californians across the state. SB 185 (De León) ensures that the state’s largest public pension funds also keep their focus on the future and lead by example by having the moving its investments beyond coal. With coal power in retreat, and the value of coal dropping, massive state portfolios should be moving to lower carbon investments and reflecting the values of the next generation.

“This climate leadership package sets the foundation for a clean-energy economy to flourish,” Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) said. “Clean tech companies in California are creating more jobs and investing more money than competitors in any other state, and these policies will keep this momentum going and expand its reach.”

Senator Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills), who authored the successful laws the Senate climate package builds upon, says, “We must send a strong signal to the thousands of businesses already investing in job creation through pollution reduction that the state will stand with you to continue our long-term growth. Building on the success of our existing policies will create even more jobs and save families and businesses money on their energy and fuel bills, while also reducing pollution to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for all.”

“Our state has exerted a leadership role in creating climate change policies that foster economic growth and improve public health.  These are necessary steps for a state that values innovation and strong environmental stewardship.  We are building the framework for promoting alternative energy and a vibrant, sustainable future.”  Senator Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont), Chair of the Environmental Quality Committee.

“Senate Bill 189 will tap into California’s leading innovators to assist in creating jobs through environmental stewardship,” stated Senator Ben Hueso (D-San Diego). “We will develop a model that will benefit Californians and future generations.”

Fran Pavley, D-Agoura Hills, represents about half of the Santa Clarita Valley in the state Senate.