by Jbs092109 e3 — September 23, 2009—California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed an Executive Order (EO) September 15, 2009 directing the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to adopt regulations increasing California’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to 33 percent by 2020—reportedly the highest in the nation. The order provides clear, permanent direction for creation, delivery, and servicing of California’s renewable energy projects, which the governor says will help avoid another energy crisis while achieving the state’s renewable energy goals.
Executive Order S-21-09 places the highest priority on renewable resources that will provide the greatest environmental benefits that can be developed quickly and support reliable, efficient and cost-effective electricity system operations including resources and facilities located throughout the Western Interconnection. Working with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), the Independent System Operator (ISO) and the California Energy Commission (CEC), CARB must adopt these regulations by July 31, 2010.
In 2007, the Governor called for an acceleration of the RPS, and signed SB 107 by Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) requiring investor-owned utilities to have 20 percent of their electricity come from renewable sources by 2010. Previously, state law passed in 2002 required that this target be achieved by 2017.
