California Senate Passes Major Climate Change Bills

Date: June 04, 2015

Measures Call For Greenhouse Gas Reductions, Increased Energy Efficiency

 

The Los Angeles Times reports that the California Senate passed legislation in line with goals from Gov. Jerry Brown on Wednesday setting new renewable energy, gasoline use reduction, and building efficiency targets. They also approved a bill banning offshore drilling near Santa Barbara following the Refugio Beach oil spill in May. The efficiency targets in one of the measures, SB 32, follow climate change goals outlined earlier this year by Gov. Jerry Brown, the Times notes.

The AP notes that another measure, SB 350, would increase renewable electricity use to 50%, cut gasoline use by drivers by 50%, and boost energy efficiency of buildings. That measure passed 24-14, and is sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles). SB 32, sponsored by Sen. Fan Pavley (D-Agoura Hills), passed 22-15.

What Happens Next

The measure moves to California’s Assembly for a vote. If passed, Gov. Brown would have to sign it into law, and would likely do so. The Times notes that if Gov. Brown signs the law the state would have to “meet several objectives by 2030: generating 50% of its electricity from renewable sources, doubling energy efficiency in older buildings and cutting in half the amount of gasoline used on state roads.”

What This Means For Small Businesses

Doing business in California is costly. Burdensome government regulations that mandate the added expense of energy efficiency upgrades to offices or use of renewable energy sources, typically more expensive than traditional energy sources, would only add to growing costs for small business owners statewide. These measures are bad for California business.

Additional Reading

In an article on the biggest challenges facing a California small business, NFIB noted the rising costs of energy and the financial pressure additional renewable energy mandates place on business owners. In related clean energy news, Techwire (CA) notes California topped the U.S. Clean Tech Leadership Index, which measures clean-tech activity in 50 states and the 50 largest U.S. metro areas, for the sixth straight year.

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