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Acting Now to Help the Next Generation

In 2004, California’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions — one of the key contributors to climate change — reached their highest levels at nearly a half-billion metric tons of CO2-equivalent emissions. Policy leaders had enough and called for drastic reductions to lower emissions in all of the major industries.

The energy industry was one of the first to answer the call, going through a transformative process to move away from fossil fuels to more renewable sources of energy. The use of coal power has been virtually eradicated, and that source has been replaced by emission-free wind and solar power. Today, renewable energy resources account for one-third of all power in California.

 

As a result, GHG emissions are down by 15% and at levels lower than in 1990. While this is a marked improvement, it is only a first step. California will be moving to 60% renewable power by 2030, with a goal of 100% zero-carbon power by 2045.

To meet those goals, more technological advancements are needed in renewable and energy storage solutions. California companies are currently implementing the best available control technology to capture harmful emissions and reduce pollution. They are also working with biofuels, fuel cells, carbon capture, and other technology to continue to strive toward a carbon-neutral world. All of these steps will help to ensure that we maintain the comforts of today and preserve the environment for tomorrow.