Legislation authored by State Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) to require private and public utilities to obtain 33% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020 passed the Assembly Utilities and Commerce Committee today. Senate Bill 722, passed 9-2, would raise the renewable target from 20%, while providing the flexibility necessary to meet the higher standard.

“Renewable energy is a win-win-win for California,” said Simitian. “It will create jobs, protect our environment, and protect us from spiking energy costs. But to make that happen, we need to set the 33% number into law.”

http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/33_renewable_energy_bill_passes_first_hurdle/