California Gov. Gavin Newsom won’t be the next president of the United States.
But the bills piled on his desk in Sacramento could help determine the fate of human civilization. No big deal.
Lawmakers passed bold legislation focused on climate change, energy, water and human health that could set a precedent for other states, and the world — depending on whether Newsom signs or vetoes them.
I’ve picked 13 major bills to spotlight today. This is far from a comprehensive list, so if your favorite legislation isn’t featured, please accept my apologies. I’ve got only so much time, and my editor only so much patience.
Newsom has until Sept. 30 to act on the legislation.
OK, here we go.
1. Senate Bill 1374: More rooftop solar
Context: To phase out the gas-fired power plants that generate more than one-third of California’s electricity, the state will need lots of solar power — much of it from large solar fields, experts say, but also large amounts from rooftops and other small solar installations. Neither will be enough on its own.
Alas, Newsom’s appointees at the Public Utilities Commission have undercut small-scale solar again and again, based on the argument that subsidies lead to higher electric rates for all Californians. They’ve cut rooftop solar incentives for customers of Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric and San Diego Gas & Electric, and created a “community solar” program to promote small-scale solar fields that seems designed to fail.
Read more here.