News reports talk about California being the leader of the US when it comes to transitioning to renewable energy and clean energy jobs. But what exactly are the California legislators doing behind the scenes to make this happen?
The California Legislature has been active around renewable energy and clean energy issues for years. From introducing legislation that promoted the energy efficiency of buildings and vehicles to establishing zero emission policy and mandating the procurement of renewable energy, the Golden State has been a leader in many ways.
While it’s great that so much attention is being paid to California’s activities at the federal level, it’s important to remember that the California Legislature still has a lot to do. Here are just some of the noteworthy things that they have done or are considering doing for the betterment of the environment and the state’s residents.
Going Green
As we’ve established, California has been a leader in many areas of sustainability, especially with its aggressive efforts to reduce energy consumption and fight climate change. One of the first bills that the legislature passed was in 2019 and it encouraged the state’s institutions to go green. It requires those institutions to report on their progress in reducing their energy consumption and to set new goals. The legislation also established a new unit in the California Environmental Protection Agency to help promote these efforts and to provide guidance on how to achieve them.
Cutting Back On The Luxuries
Another area where California has taken a lead in is cutting back on the luxuries. The wealthy state has significantly reduced the amount of new buildings that get constructed and incentivized residents to upgrade their homes to be more eco-friendly. One example of this is the zero-emission vehicle mandate that we’ve mentioned before. If you’re looking to buy a new car, you have to consider whether or not it’s zero emission. Another example is the order that required building owners to make their buildings more energy efficient. The state also made it easier for residents to replace their appliances with more eco-friendly models and they’ve also reduced the amount of single-use plastics that are manufactured and sold in the state.
Boosting Clean Energy
Another area that the California Legislature has significantly contributed to is boosting clean energy. They’ve established a new office in the California Environmental Protection Agency that’s focused on helping companies develop renewable energy projects in the state. And to further encourage this trend, they’ve also made it possible for homeowners to purchase solar power through their electricity provider. This is a trend that has been gaining a lot of popularity as more people see the benefits of clean energy.
Shifting To Renewable Energy
Finally, we’ll mention one more important thing that the California Legislature has been doing to encourage the renewable energy trend. They’ve been passing legislation that promotes the development of renewable energy projects in the state. So, if you’re looking to become a part of a new and exciting renewable energy movement, you can start by getting in touch with the California Legislature.
These are just some of the things that the California Legislature has done to promote and support the renewable energy industry. Now it’s time for them to move on to the next phase, which is helping to create even more jobs and promoting sustainable living.