http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/senate-to-vote-on-solar-water-heating-bill-ab-1470--huffman http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/senate-to-vote-on-solar-water-heating-bill-ab-1470--huffman Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/on-the-heels-of-californias-historic-global-warming-law-environment-california-launches-campaign-calling-on-candidates-to-support-a-new-energy-future http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/on-the-heels-of-californias-historic-global-warming-law-environment-california-launches-campaign-calling-on-candidates-to-support-a-new-energy-future Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/california-takes-another-giant-step-toward-building-a-mainstream-solar-market   http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/california-takes-another-giant-step-toward-building-a-mainstream-solar-market Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/bill-to-expand-californias-world-class-solar-market-passes-both-houses   California Legislature Passes http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/bill-to-expand-californias-world-class-solar-market-passes-both-houses Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/million-solar-roofs-bill-passed-unanimously-by-senate-committee http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/million-solar-roofs-bill-passed-unanimously-by-senate-committee Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/congress-votes-for-a-new-energy-future--passes-national-renewable-electricity-standard-for-the-first-time   http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/congress-votes-for-a-new-energy-future--passes-national-renewable-electricity-standard-for-the-first-time Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/media-statement-solar-power-can-help-keep-lights-on   http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/media-statement-solar-power-can-help-keep-lights-on Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/million-solar-roofs-bill-sb-1-signed-into-law http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/million-solar-roofs-bill-sb-1-signed-into-law Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/california-passes-million-solar-roofs-bill http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/california-passes-million-solar-roofs-bill Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/statement-on-the-new-santa-rita-jail-fuel-cell http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/statement-on-the-new-santa-rita-jail-fuel-cell Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/solar-bill-clears-senate-committee http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/solar-bill-clears-senate-committee Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/solar-power-has-increased-5900-since-the-2001-energy-crisis Since the last time heat waves threatened rolling http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/solar-power-has-increased-5900-since-the-2001-energy-crisis Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/national-renewable-electricity-standard-would-create-jobs-save-consumers-billions-cut-millions-of-tons-of-pollution-new-ucs-report-documents-economic-benefits-for-california http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/national-renewable-electricity-standard-would-create-jobs-save-consumers-billions-cut-millions-of-tons-of-pollution-new-ucs-report-documents-economic-benefits-for-california Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/san-diego-solar-homeowners-report-5-electric-bills http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/san-diego-solar-homeowners-report-5-electric-bills Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/solar-bill-passes-california-assembly Bill to Create Nation’s Largest Solar http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/solar-bill-passes-california-assembly Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/environment-california-highlights-support-for-renewable-energy-in-california http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/environment-california-highlights-support-for-renewable-energy-in-california Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/unforeseen-problems-with-californias-solar-program http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/unforeseen-problems-with-californias-solar-program Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/environment-california-supports-schwarzeneggers-emergency-solar-bill http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/environment-california-supports-schwarzeneggers-emergency-solar-bill Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/group-calls-for-more-solar-power    http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/group-calls-for-more-solar-power Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/environmental-groups-applaud-governor-schwarzenegger-for-his-leadership-on-solar-power http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/environmental-groups-applaud-governor-schwarzenegger-for-his-leadership-on-solar-power Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/environment-california-testifies-before-asm-utilities--commerce-on-million-solar-roofs Testimony before the California State http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/environment-california-testifies-before-asm-utilities--commerce-on-million-solar-roofs Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:13:42 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/new-survey-shows-solar-homes-get-high-marks-from-home-owners Want lower energy bills? Buy a solar home. Want highly http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/new-survey-shows-solar-homes-get-high-marks-from-home-owners Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/the-california-solar-initiative-a-monumental-step-to-a-million-solar-roofs http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/the-california-solar-initiative-a-monumental-step-to-a-million-solar-roofs Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/house-funds-new-select-committee-on-global-warming-and-energy-independence http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/house-funds-new-select-committee-on-global-warming-and-energy-independence Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/house-approves-bill-to-stimulate-the-solar-and-clean-energy-economy Statement of Environment America Washington DC Office Director Anna Aurilio “We applaud Speaker Pelosi and the House of Representatives for their leadership in passing crucial renewable energy and energy efficiency tax incentives. This bill is an important and effective step in strengthening America’s clean energy economy. As one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S., the clean energy industry is a shining light in an otherwise lackluster economy. Unfortunately the renewable energy production tax credit and the solar investment tax credit -- are set to expire at the end of this year. Unless Congress and the President act soon, the bright light of the clean energy industry will likely be extinguished for the short term, potentially costing the U.S. economy as many as 116,000 jobs. The clean energy incentives included in the House’s clean energy tax package would not only stimulate the economy in the short-term by continuing job creation and spurring investment, but also would help solve global warming and promote and retain long-term development and growth in the clean energy technology industry. We urge the Senate and President Bush to support the House of Representatives in boosting our clean energy economy.” ### Environment America – a federation of state environment groups – is the new home of U.S. PIRG’s environmental work. Environment California is a member organization of Environment America. http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/house-approves-bill-to-stimulate-the-solar-and-clean-energy-economy Thu, 28 Feb 2008 13:53:08 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/policy-makers-environmental-advocates-give-capitol-hill-briefing-on-californias-landmark-solar-initiative Sponsored by the Honorable US http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/policy-makers-environmental-advocates-give-capitol-hill-briefing-on-californias-landmark-solar-initiative Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/statement-by-bernadette-del-chiaro-on-so-cal-edisons-new-contract-to-build-1500-mw-of-wind-power-in-tehachapi http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/statement-by-bernadette-del-chiaro-on-so-cal-edisons-new-contract-to-build-1500-mw-of-wind-power-in-tehachapi Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/media-statement-on-us-epa-denial-of-waiver-for-california-clean-cars-program Media Statement on US EPA Denial of Waiver for California Clean Cars Program http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/media-statement-on-us-epa-denial-of-waiver-for-california-clean-cars-program Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:21:34 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/senate-passes-historic-increase-in-fuel-economy Today, with the support of California http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/senate-passes-historic-increase-in-fuel-economy Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:20:38 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/environment-california-congratulates-mcnerney-woolsey-matsui-and-honda-for-their-commitment-to-leadership-on-clean-energy-in-congress http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/environment-california-congratulates-mcnerney-woolsey-matsui-and-honda-for-their-commitment-to-leadership-on-clean-energy-in-congress Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/new-report-documents-californias-outstanding-clean-energy-leadership Advocates, State http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/new-report-documents-californias-outstanding-clean-energy-leadership Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:18:52 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/new-report-shows-top-10-opportunities-to-build-a-new-energy-future http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/new-report-shows-top-10-opportunities-to-build-a-new-energy-future Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/google-returns-1_6-million-hits-with-giant-solar-power-project  Statement of Bernadette Del Chiaro, Clean Energy Advocate, Environment California Research & Policy Center http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/google-returns-1_6-million-hits-with-giant-solar-power-project Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/schwarzenegger-signs-another-landmark-solar-bill http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/schwarzenegger-signs-another-landmark-solar-bill Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/comments-to-president-bushs-state-of-the-state-address   http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/comments-to-president-bushs-state-of-the-state-address Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/environment-california-applauds-congresswoman-hilda-solis-for-federal-green-jobs-act Calls measure “historic”, “visionary” and “the next step for meeting CA’s Million Solar Roofs Goal” East Los Angeles http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/environment-california-applauds-congresswoman-hilda-solis-for-federal-green-jobs-act Mon, 04 Feb 2008 16:36:35 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/congress-tops-off-first-100-hours-by-passing-clean-energy-act http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/congress-tops-off-first-100-hours-by-passing-clean-energy-act Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/u_s_-rep_-mcnerney-introduces-clean-energy-act-of-2007 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/u_s_-rep_-mcnerney-introduces-clean-energy-act-of-2007 Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/quotit39s-officialquot-cpuc-approves-3_2-billion-solar-program  Landmark Vote http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/quotit39s-officialquot-cpuc-approves-3_2-billion-solar-program Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/puc-vote-on-final-solar-roofs-program-thursday http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/puc-vote-on-final-solar-roofs-program-thursday Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:02:25 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/california-takes-5th-place-in-race-to-develop-renewable-energy-groups-call-for-rps-increase Sacramento - According to the newest data, California is falling behind other states in terms of building new renewable energy projects such as wind farms and solar power plants. Data released today by Environment California Research & Policy Center shows California in fifth place behind Texas, Iowa, Minnesota and Colorado in terms of new large-scale renewable energy projects developed in states with Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). “If developing renewable energy were an Olympic sport, California surprisingly wouldn’t even win a bronze medal,” said Bernadette Del Chiaro, clean energy advocate for Environment California. “It is high time California gets back in the race by upping our mandate and commitment to removing barriers to renewable energy.” The data provided a backdrop for a coalition of environmental, health and community groups calling for removal of the barriers to increased renewable energy in California along with an increased minimum standard to at least 33% by 2020. California currently requires utilities generate at least 20% of their electricity from renewable resources such as solar, geothermal and wind power by 2010 and the Schwarzenegger Administration has called for an increase to 33%. Across the country, 25 states and the District of Columbia have RPSs representing 5% of the nation’s total electricity supply according to the Union of Concerned Scientists. To date, Texas has added more than 3,500 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy, Iowa more than 1,200 MW, Minnesota nearly 1,000 MW and Colorado almost 800 MW. In the meantime, California has added 683 MW of utility-scale renewable energy projects since the state’s RPS was passed.[1] "Dozens of states are in the race to build renewable energy because of the win-win benefits of reduced reliance on fossil fuels and a cleaner environment," said Dan Kalb of Union of Concerned Scientists. "California should reassert itself as the nation's clean energy leader and bring more jobs and cleaner air to the state." According to a recent report by the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies, a 33% by 2020 RPS would create well over 200,000 new manufacturing jobs. In addition, according to the California Air Resources Board, a 33% by 2020 RPS is needed to reduce global warming pollution by more than 20 million metric tons, a critical component to the state’s proposed plans to meet its global warming pollution cap by 2020. Environmental justice and health groups are also supportive of a 33% by 2020 mandate because of the concern that without it, the states utilities will continue to build fossil fuel power plants in already polluted regions such as the Los Angeles basin. “California has one simple choice: continue to build polluting fossil fuel power plants or shift to clean, non-polluting renewable energy projects,” said Dr. Joseph Lyou, executive director of the Environmental Rights Alliance. “Nearly every proposal to build or expand fossil fuel power plants in California directly impacts a low-income community of color. The renewable energy path protects their right to breathe clean air.” “Ramping up renewable energy production is a critical public health measure. Clean renewable power can help California avoid public health emergencies linked to polluted air, including asthma attacks, lung and heart illnesses and premature death,” said Tony Gerber, MD, an American Lung Association of California volunteer and a pulmonary specialist and assistant professor at the University of California, San Francisco. A bill to increase California’s RPS to 33% by 2020, and a package of RPS reforms necessary to get there, continues to be debated in the state legislature. If passed, it would become the nation’s strongest renewable energy mandate. Environmental groups urged the Legislature and the Governor to work together to get this done this session. [1] NOTE: An additional 300 MW of rooftop solar photovoltaic installations have occurred in California but are not supported by the state’s RPS program nor do they count toward the utility’s RPS goals so are not factored in here. http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/california-takes-5th-place-in-race-to-develop-renewable-energy-groups-call-for-rps-increase Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:09:50 -0500 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/large-scale-solar-power-plants-could-power-nation-combat-global-warming-and-create-thousands-of-jobs-over-4000-megawatts-of-solar-power-under-development-threatened-by-lapsing-federal-tax-incentives http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/large-scale-solar-power-plants-could-power-nation-combat-global-warming-and-create-thousands-of-jobs-over-4000-megawatts-of-solar-power-under-development-threatened-by-lapsing-federal-tax-incentives Thu, 08 May 2008 13:11:22 -0500 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/solar-bill-and-green-collar-jobs-bill-passes-assembly-utilities-committee http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/solar-bill-and-green-collar-jobs-bill-passes-assembly-utilities-committee Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:34:29 -0500 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/surplus-solar-power-legislation-introduced Environment California-sponsored bill would allow homeowners, businesses to sell surplus solar power to utilityNovato, CA – Californians could soon make money off of their solar systems if a newly introduced bill becomes law. California State Assemblymember Jared Huffman introduced legislation today that would require utilities to pay individuals for any excess solar power produced at a home, government building or business. Currently, the best consumers can get is a “zero” energy bill. Assembly Bill 1920, which is sponsored by Environment California, was unveiled at the location of California’s largest solar producer, SPG Solar in Novato. “If California wants to become the Saudia Arabia of the sun, we have to remove all barriers to going solar and we have to be fair for those who have invested their own money in solar power,” said Bernadette Del Chiaro, clean energy advocate with Environment California. “This bill will encourage not just more solar power but conservation and efficiency as well as owners see a benefit to generating surplus power.” AB 1920 will enable consumers who produce solar power to get paid by their utility company for any excess electricity they produce on an annual basis. The level of compensation would be set by the Public Utilities Commission and would help the utility meet their renewable energy goals mandated by state law. Under current law, a consumer with solar panels can reduce their utility bill to $0 through what is called “net metering” where they get a credit for all the electricity generated by their system during the day. This credit goes to offset electricity used at night and is calculated on an annual basis. If the consumer generates a surplus amount of power at the end of the year, that electricity goes into the grid for free and they are not compensated. This bill would simply give those consumers compensation for that surplus power at the end of the year. “This bill idea came to me from several of my constituents,” said Assemblymember Jared Huffman. “I think the idea we chose creates strong benefits for both consumers and the environment.” AB 1920 also removes the “size to load” restriction in state law that limits the number of solar panels that can be installed on individual buildings. http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/surplus-solar-power-legislation-introduced Thu, 28 Feb 2008 13:56:10 -0600 http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/presidential-candidates-urged-to-commit-america-to-a-clean-energy-future Los Angeles, C.A. – Environment California today in Los Angeles http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/presidential-candidates-urged-to-commit-america-to-a-clean-energy-future Mon, 04 Feb 2008 16:35:32 -0600