SACRAMENTO (June 3, 2015)–The California State Senate today approved a set of bills that will significantly boost the use of renewable energy, drastically reduce petroleum demand, and set an ambitious target for reducing climate pollution over the coming decades.
The “California Climate Leadership” package of legislation creates new environmental and energy standards to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are consistent with the goals set by Gov. Jerry Brown.
Below is a statement by Adrienne Alvord, California and western states director at the Union of Concerned Scientists.
“The Union of Concerned Scientists applauds the California State Senate for passing visionary legislation that will decarbonize the state’s economy and help disadvantaged communities most impacted by pollution and climate change.
“This package of climate bills provides a roadmap to achieving California’s goals of dramatically reducing global warming emissions. These new standards will help ensure clean supplies of energy, spur technological innovation and improve public health for the benefit of generations to come.
“I congratulate the authors of the bills and Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León for their courage and leadership in tackling climate change and envisioning a resilient future. This legislation should serve as an inspiration to other states and countries struggling to address the climate crisis and strengthen their economies.”