Energy

California Wants All Of Its Electricity To Be Carbon-Free By 2045

California legislators are moving to commit to 100 percent carbon-free electricity in the state.

California Wants All Of Its Electricity To Be Carbon-Free By 2045
Getty Images

California is taking another big step to reduce its carbon footprint. 


The state Assembly passed legislation Tuesday that requires the state to get 100 percent of its electricity from carbon-free sources by 2045. The measure also increases a previous renewable energy mandate to a target of 60 percent by 2030.  


As one of the world's biggest economies, California's long been a leader on climate issues. Earlier this year, the state became the first in the nation to require new homes to have solar power, which will take effect in a few years. 


But it's not the first in the U.S. to set a goal for 100 percent carbon-free power. Hawaii passed similar legislation back in 2015, and other states are looking to do the same. 


California's move comes as the Trump administration takes a step back from climate change issues and environmental regulations. If the bill is reconciled with a Senate version and gets a signature from Gov. Jerry Brown, California will likely be the largest world economy to make a pledge to 100 percent carbon-free energy