California Held to Tightest Alternative Energy Standards

Yesterday, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed an executive order that would require state utilities to get 33 percent of their power from renewable energy sources by 2020. This order makes California the nation's most aggressive when it comes to mandating renewable energy use (Hawaii previously held this title with its goal of 40 percent renewable power by 2030). The order will also allow California to import electricity from renewable sources in other states, such as wind, solar, and geothermal energy. California already imports a portion of its hydroelectric power from the Pacific Northwest, and such imports are expected to increase substantially.

The governor's complete press release can be found here: http://gov.ca.gov/press-release/13273/