Renewables on the Rise 2022: California leads in solar power, electric vehicle adoption, and more.

States can lead the way toward a future

powered by 100% clean, renewable energy

Environment, clean energy, and sustainability are some of the popular jargon being thrown around every so often, especially as the year comes to a close. This year also, we’ve seen so many states join in the race to become carbon neutral, each with its timeline and rules to get there. For instance, on June 29, 2022, Rhode Island Gov. Daniel Mckee signed into law a bill that seeks to transition the state to 100% renewable electricity by 2033, which is the fastest timeline of any state in the country; this brings the state in at least the 10th state to codify its commitment to 100% clean energy.

Although there seems to be a competition of who gets there first in terms of taking their populations 100% solar, one of the potential pitfalls that not so many states are considering is the policies backing the transition. In addition, it would seem that the Federal government is still stuck with the same old energy sources that are disastrous to the climate and public health. Policies like the standards of renewables, net metering, tax incentives, and commitment to attain 100% clean energy the states and local governments will continue to drive energy costs down. But all these policies need to be relooked at and carefully examined for it not to be a race to the top without considering the people who are the biggest beneficiaries so some of these policies and rules.

States, in particular, have a significant role to play. When the California legislature passed Senate Bill (SB) 100 in 2018, it paved the way for new momentum in the nation. A movement for 100% clean and renewable energy. Essentially, the bill set an ambitious plan for the state of California to power its electricity needs with 100% clean energy by 2045. Codifying a 100% clean energy goal into law sent a message to the world of the state’s intention to transition to clean energy.

Many states are now joining in making this a reality. In fact, clean energy today is off the charts, with the country producing 3 times more clean energy than it did a decade ago. Surprisingly, on May 8, California produced 103.5% of its energy from renewable sources.

States leading the march towards clean energy:

California Clean Energy 2045

Connecticut Clean Energy 2040 44% renewable by 2024, 50% renewable by 2026, 52% renewable by 2027, 60% renewable by 2030, 90% clean by 2035, 95% clean by 2040, 100% clean by 2045

100% clean by 2040, 40% renewable by 2030

Hawaii Renewable energy 2045

Illinois Clean Energy 2050

100% renewable by 2045, 40% renewable by 2030, 70% renewable by 2040

100% clean by 2050, 40% clean by 2030, 50% clean by 2040

Maine Clean Energy 2050 100% clean by 2050, 80% clean by 2030

Nevada Clean Energy 2050 100% clean by 2050, 50% clean by 2030

New Mexico Clean Energy 2045

New York Clean Energy 2040 100% clean by 2045, at least 80% renewable by 2045, 40% renewable by 2025, 50% renewable by 2030

100% clean by 2040, 70% renewable by 2030

Oregon Clean Energy 2040

Rhode Island Renewable Energy 2033

Virginia Clean Energy 2050 80% emissions reductions for power sold in-state by 2030 compared to 2010 baseline, 90 percent by 2035, 100 percent by 2040, 50% renewable by 2040

100% renewable by 2033, annual increases in renewables through 2033

100% clean by 2050. Some utilities are required to achieve a renewable target of 14% by 2025, 30% by 2030, 65% by 2040, and 100% by 2050. Other utilities have a renewables requirement of 26% by 2025, 41% by 2030, and 100% by 2045.

Washington Clean Energy 2045 100% renewable or zero-emitting by 2045.