California's New Alternative Energy Law

Recently there was a new energy mandate signed into law in California by the Governor Jerry Brown. This mandate is the most aggressive clean energy standard in the nation. “… Requires the state’s utilities to get 33 percent of their electricity from renewable sources like geothermal, wind and solar by 2020” (Hull). This is a high standards bill but the details are being questioned by some. For example there are many permits needed and so the projects could be delayed and this would increase prices. However the law also contains provisions that are supposed to protect consumers from what is happening with the rising fuel prices and requires the approval of renewable energy contracts (Hull). In the article there is several different renewable energy sources cited but the two expected to make up the vast majority of new contracts in the coming years is solar and wind power.

Solar power is a powerful, inexhaustible and clean source of energy. “Every hour the sun delivers as much energy to the Earth as all humanity uses in a year” (Environmental Defense Fund). With this in mind one could wonder why we don’t use that energy as our only source. However, it is more complex to harness the energy in a widespread and inexpensive way. Because solar power is dependent on the sun, if the sun does not shine there is no power. Since the sun doesn’t shine every day all day there needs to be back up electricity and therefore other sources of power still need to be used. Not only this, but solar power is expensive making it undesirable to most. In recent years the price has decreased making the power a more likely method and hence the prediction for it to become a more preferred method.

The second predicted method to become a major source of power in new contracts is wind power. Wind power is considered a type of solar energy because wind is the product of uneven hearting of the atmosphere by the sun. Today it is possible to drive through a wind farm where there are hundreds of huge wind turbines converting wind into energy. “The wind turns the blades, which spin a shaft, which connects to a generator and makes electricity” (US Department of Energy). Because it is wind it is a clean fuel source and so doesn’t pollute the air. The wind supply in the United States is abundant because wind cannot be used up, it is a renewable power. It is also one of the cheapest forms of renewable energy available today. Even though this is true the initial investment for a wind farm is higher than fossil-fueled generators making it more difficult for someone to invest in the wind energy. Most signs point to wind power plants as being successful but many are simply concerned about the noise of the turbines. Which is the worse consequence, noise or pollution?

With this all in mind California now has to consider all types of alternative energy, costs of them and how to reach this 33 percent mark. Many are worried of costs and delays because of permits but it seems as if the CPUC has it under control. “We’ll make sure that ratepayers are protected” (Florio). If this law is enforced California will be an example for the nation. Some of the benefits also include economic ones such as increasing the number of jobs. The solar plant intended to be built is expected to create 350 jobs. Not only is this good for the environment but it would also help to boost the economy. The law has it’s downsides but there is a lot to factor into a standard such as this. Either way the idea of using more alternative energy is a step in the right direction. Whether it is upheld or goes as planned will be the real test of a law such as this.

http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_17828401?source=most_emailed&nclick_check=1

http://www.edf.org/page.cfm?tagID=23052&s_src=ggad&gclid=CLzp7L2gmKgCFYjsKgodi2XuDg

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/wind_ad.html