Clean Energy Bill Advances

The California Senate Tuesday approved a bill that will eventually require all energy providers, including municipal and public utilities, to get 33% of their energy from clean renewable energy sources by 2020.

The state’s current renewable portfolio law only applies to investor-owned utilities and requires them to procure 20% of their energy from renewable sources by 2010.

The new 33% requirement would apply to publicly owned utilities, and authorize the California Energy Commission to oversee their efforts.

“Senate Bill 14 sends the clear and unambiguous signal that California will continue to be the world’s leader in promoting new clean technologies, jobs and economic activity,” Senate president pro tem Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, said in a statement.

The bill passed on a 21-16 vote. It moves to the Assembly.

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