Highest Green Power Goal

California sets highest green power goal

Apr 12, 2011 - Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation Tuesday that sets the nation's toughest renewable energy mandate, requiring utilities to draw 33% of their power from solar panels, windmills and other sources by 2020.

"There are people who think we can drill our way to happiness and prosperity," the Democratic governor said at SunPower Corp./Flextronics plant, which makes solar panels in Milpitas, Calif., according to the Associated Press. "Instead of just taking oil from thousands of miles away, we're taking the sun and converting it."

Previously, California required utilities to get 20% of their power from renewable sources. Colorado approved a bill last year requiring 30% of its power by 2020.

Supporters of the higher standard, which takes effect in about three months, said it will reduce air pollution and create green energy jobs. "Public officials have decided to create thousands more jobs for Californians," said Denise Brode, CEO of America Wind Energy Association, a trade group, in a statement. {continued}