California Jumps Into The Future With SB 350

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Originally published on EV Obsession.

Take a break from the “interesting” presidential political campaigns for some wonderful news. In the not always “United” States, some states are challenging national imperatives to cut the spewing of carbon from the electricity sector. However, one continually trendsetting state, California, is making another progressive leadership move (nationally and globally) towards renewables and carbon-cutting technology.

Pasquale Romano, CEO of ChargePoint (the world’s largest electric vehicle charging network), joined California Governor Jerry Brown at the signing of Senate Bill 350 yesterday.

The legislation commits the state to much further reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. With new and expanded policies promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency, and the electrification of transportation, the state leads the way again. Romano issued the following statement:

“ChargePoint applauds Governor Jerry Brown, Senate President Pro-Tem Kevin De Leon and the California State Legislature for continuing to expand California’s commitment to cleaner air and a more sustainable future. The passage and signing of SB 350 prove once again that California is the nation’s leader in the fight against climate change, and ChargePoint is proud to have been among those championing this important issue.

“From utilities to automakers, private corporations to government entities, we all have a role to play in lowering our state’s greenhouse gas emissions. Encouraging drivers to make the switch to zero-emission electric vehicles is a critical part of that effort, and SB 350 will go a long way to support that transition by increasing access to EV charging stations, including in disadvantaged communities throughout the state.

“SB 350 is a giant step forward for California, and the entire country must follow our lead. As a proud California-born company and an industry leader, ChargePoint looks forward to continuing to work with our elected officials, the California Public Utilities Commission and with stakeholders across the state to implement this ambitious and important state policy.”

 

You may be wondering at this point what the new legislation has to do with electric vehicles. “To meet aggressive greenhouse gas reduction goals, SB 350 specifically requires California electric utilities to invest in EV charging infrastructure and support EV adoption in a way that leverages private-sector funding, protects competition and allows consumers choices in equipment and services.”

ThinkProgress quotes Erica Brand, energy program director at the Nature Conservancy, regarding SB 350: “The goals in developing renewable energy and protecting California’s natural resources don’t need to conflict.” Indeed, they don’t. Advancing a greener economy based on cleantech has been shown by countless studies to both benefit the economy and protect our air, water, and climate all at the same time. It’s long past time to realize that there are no good reasons to delay a cleantech revolution.

Enjoy further accolades from CAdelivers.org:

The new law puts California on the path to 50% power from renewable energy sources and increases energy efficiency in existing buildings by 50%, both by 2030….

Adrienne Alvord, California and Western States Director, Union of Concerned Scientists:

“This landmark law will continue California’s leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions at a critical time as states and nations look for models on how to decarbonize energy. The fact that the eighth largest economy in the world is setting a 50 percent standard is proof of concept that a major economy can be run on renewables. Also, by reducing emissions from the electricity sector that are driving climate change and polluting our air, Gov. Brown and legislators are delivering on the desires of state residents who have continually supported action on climate change.”

Martha Dina-Argüello, Executive Director, Physicians for Social Responsibility-Los Angeles:

“We are extremely happy that Governor Brown is signing SB 350, and grateful for Senator De León’s leadership. PSR-LA is committed to continuing to work with the Governor, the Legislature, and the California Air Resources Board to make sure SB 350 lives up to the promise of reducing climate change, protecting vulnerable communities, and setting a course for a renewable green energy economy.”

Bonnie Holmes-Gen, Senior Director, American Lung Association in California:

“Largely due to fossil fuels, California is home to the most polluted air in the United States and our severe air quality problems are leading to thousands of premature deaths and hospitalizations every year as well as billions in health costs. State climate leadership, including the goals of SB 350, will drive down pollution and help deliver cleaner alternatives to harmful fossil fuels. We remain committed to promoting healthier air and climate for all California communities, particularly the most vulnerable individuals affected by pollution including children, seniors and those with existing lung disease.”

Lisa Hoyos, Director and Co-Founder of Climate Parents:

“SB 350 being signed into law is cause for celebration for California parents and families. Governor Brown and Senator Pro Tem De León’s leadership on clean air and clean energy for California families sets a powerful example for other states. SB 350 will help clean up the air our kids breathe and cut the carbon pollution fueling climate change. Ours kids deserve kid-safe, climate-safe energy, and SB 350 sets us squarely on that path.”

Michelle Kinman, Clean Energy Advocate, Environment California:

“Today’s signing of SB 350 is huge. Once again, the State of California is acting on the long-held values of Californians for a swift transition to a clean energy future. Each day, drought, wildfires and record temperatures remind Californians that we must act on climate, and act in a big way. We applaud the Governor and Senator De León for their leadership in setting aggressive renewable energy and energy efficiency goals, protecting our health, environment and economy, and setting a strong example for other states and countries to follow.”

Getting back to ChargePoint, and why its CEO would be on stage with Jerry Brown, the California startup is a giant in the EV world. Just showing a few examples of its innovative leadership, check out these recent stories from around the Important Media network:

Built-In Energy Storage Gilds The EV Charging Lily

ChargePoint Home EV Charging Station Now Available On Amazon 

$499 For “World’s Most Advanced Home EV Charger”

ChargePoint Now Offering “Express” Stations

EV Charging At Apartments & Condos To Increase With New

Also be sure to read: Charge Ahead California Opens A Portal To America’s Future

Photo via Phil Konstantin (some rights reserved)