California reaches new record clean energy milestone
California has hit a new record for clean energy.
Solar, wind, hydropower and other carbon-free sources made up 67% of the state’s retail electricity supply in 2023, the most recent year that data is available, according to new statistics released Monday by the California Energy Commission.
The total is an increase from 2022, when it was 61%. And it exceeds the prior record of 64%, set in 2019.
Under a state law signed by former Gov. Jerry Brown in 2018 aimed at reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions that are contributing to climate change, California was required to reach 60% renewable and carbon-free electricity by 2030 — a goal it has already met — and 100% by 2045.
Solar, wind, geothermal, large hydropower, biomass and nuclear energy are allowed to count under the law.
The new milestone comes as renewable energy is facing several headwinds. Earlier this month, Republicans in Congress passed and President Trump signed a bill that removes and reduces many of the tax breaks, federal grants and other incentives for states, private companies, and homeowners to expand renewable energy and electric vehicles that were put in place by President Biden.
“As the federal government turns its back on innovation and commonsense, California is making our clean energy future a reality,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “The world’s fourth-largest economy is running on two-thirds clean power – the largest economy on the planet to achieve this milestone.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.