Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Tuesday signed an Executive Order directing the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to adopt regulations increasing California’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to 33% by 2020.
The Governor’s office over the weekend said he would veto a bill passed by the state assembly on Friday that also raised the RPS to 33%. Schwarzenegger’s communications director said the Governor was opposed to the complexity of the bill and limits placed on renewable power supply from outside the state’s borders.
“Three years ago, I signed AB 32 and committed California to roll back our greenhouse gas emissions a nation-leading 25% by 2020. We’ve made a lot of progress since then, but we still have a lot of work to do to reach our goals,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “So I am taking action today to make sure California remains a pioneer in clean energy and green jobs and directing the California Air Resources Board to enact regulations to reach our 33% renewable energy standards by 2020. With this investment in renewable energy projects, California has a bright energy future ahead that will help us fight climate change while driving our state’s green economy.”
The Governor’s office said the new executive order places the highest priority on renewable resources that will provide the greatest environmental benefits that can be developed quickly and support reliable, efficient and cost-effective electricity system operations including resources and facilities located throughout the Western Interconnection. Working with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), the Independent System Operator (ISO) and the California Energy Commission (CEC), CARB must adopt these regulations by July 31, 2010.
Democratic state senator Joe Simitian, who authored the assembly bill, told the Associated Press the governor’s order will lack the force and effect that his bill would have, if signed into law.
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