California’s climate goal reached

Solar power is the principal reason California hit its target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions four years early. Regulators and environmentalists are pleased as this provides more proof that we can reduce pollution while growing the economy. However, a closer look at data released by the state Air Resources Board shows that while emissions from power generation in California have plunged, other key industries are flat and transportation pollution is spiking.

Trump Administration’s pathetic reaction to global warming

Making matters more difficult is a Trump administration scheme to weaken fuel economy standards and revoke California’s ability to set its own, more stringent rules. This is a move that could cause vehicle emissions to rise even more. The inconsistent progress shows the big challenges as California advances toward its more ambitious goal: slashing planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions another 40% by 2030.

Renewable energy growth is substantial

Growth in renewable energy was the main reason California met its 2020 climate goal in 2016, the emissions report released this month shows.
“We’ve seen a substantial increase in solar and wind power, particularly rooftop solar installations,” says Dave Edwards, chief of the Air Resources Board’s greenhouse gas and toxics emissions inventory branch.

One reason for the growth in the solar sector is the continuing dip in cost for solar panels.
Driving the shift is early compliance with the state’s mandate that a third of electricity come from renewable sources by 2020 and the falling cost of solar panels, which has spurred more commercial and rooftop installation. After five years of unending drought, rains swelled rivers and generated more hydroelectric power. During drier years, the state relied more on natural gas for power. Overall, the growth in renewables combined with decreasing imports of coal to send emissions from electricity generation plunging 18% in 2016 compared to 2015.

There has never been a better time to install a solar energy system!

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