Post 2020 AB32: Future of California Cap & Trade, RPS

 

Moderator:
Bob Sipchen, Senior Editor, California Section, Los Angeles Times
Speakers:
Felipe Fuentes, District 7 Councilmember, Los Angeles City Council
Lauren Faber, West Coast Political Director, Environmental Defense Fund
Tom Soto, Managing Director, TCW/Craton Equity Investors

California’s Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) — 33 percent renewable power by 2020 — was a landmark for the state and the nation. Much progress has been made toward achieving that goal. Looking beyond 2020, Governor Brown recently stated his intent to seek a 50 percent RPS by the year 2030. The utilities have argued against taking the RPS to 50 percent, citing a study by energy market research firm Energy and Environmental Economics Inc. (E3) that says utility rates could climb between 9 percent and 23 percent under a 50 percent RPS scenario, and that serious overgeneration and integration issues could result. Is a 50 percent RPS reasonably achievable by 2030 — or ever? What will it take to get there? And can we get there without dramatic increases in utility bills that will harm California’s competitiveness and the welfare of its citizens — especially the disadvantaged? Finally, can do it without adversely impacting the reliability of our electric supply and the safety of those that depend upon it?

Conference: 

Post 2020 AB32: Future of California Cap & Trade