Senate Bill 100

Definition

Senate Bill 100 is a California legislative measure that mandates the state to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2045. This bill reflects California's commitment to combating climate change and transitioning to sustainable energy sources, aligning with the state's broader vision for a greener future and ongoing initiatives focused on environmental sustainability.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Senate Bill 100 was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown in September 2018, making California the first state to set such an ambitious renewable energy target.
2. The bill aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote economic growth through the development of renewable energy technologies.
3. In addition to achieving 100% renewable energy by 2045, the bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining reliability and affordability of the electricity supply.
4. The passage of Senate Bill 100 has positioned California as a leader in environmental policy, inspiring other states and countries to pursue similar goals for renewable energy.
5. The bill includes provisions for continuous assessment of progress toward meeting its goals, ensuring transparency and accountability in the transition to renewable energy.

Review Questions

• How does Senate Bill 100 reflect California's commitment to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable energy practices?
  • Senate Bill 100 embodies California's proactive stance on climate change by setting a clear target for achieving 100% renewable energy by 2045. This ambitious goal is part of a broader strategy to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and foster the development of sustainable energy technologies. By prioritizing renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, the bill demonstrates California's leadership in environmental policy and its determination to create a more sustainable future.
• What are some potential challenges California might face in implementing Senate Bill 100, particularly in terms of energy reliability and infrastructure?
  • Implementing Senate Bill 100 presents several challenges for California, especially regarding the reliability of the electricity supply. Transitioning to 100% renewable energy requires significant upgrades to existing infrastructure, including smart grid technology and energy storage systems to handle variability in renewable generation. Additionally, there may be economic hurdles related to job transitions for those in fossil fuel industries and ensuring that electricity remains affordable for all residents as the state shifts its energy landscape.
• Evaluate the broader implications of Senate Bill 100 on national and global energy policies and how it may influence other jurisdictions.
  • Senate Bill 100 sets a precedent that could have significant implications for national and global energy policies. By leading the way with its commitment to renewable energy, California may inspire other states and nations to adopt similar ambitious goals, thereby accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels on a larger scale. This shift could catalyze innovation in clean technology, influence international agreements on climate action, and ultimately contribute to a global movement towards sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Related terms

Renewable Energy: Energy generated from natural resources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.

Climate Change: Long-term alterations in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place, largely driven by human activities like fossil fuel combustion.

Clean Energy Standard: A regulation that requires a certain percentage of energy produced to come from renewable or low-emission sources, promoting a shift away from fossil fuels.