SB 350 Myths and Facts
California’s leadership on climate and clean energy has generated billions of dollars of in-state investment, spurring job creation and strong growth in new industries, and paving the way for other jurisdictions around the world to follow suit.
Setting aggressive, enforceable new targets will drive additional investment and job-growth to ensure that progress continues and is enjoyed by all Californians.
January
In his State of the State address in January, Governor Brown announced ambitious new energy and climate goals for California. The governor called for statewide targets of up to a 50% reduction in petroleum use in our cars and trucks, 50% electricity generation from renewable sources, and to double the energy efficiency of buildings, all by 2030.
February
In February, Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León introduced Senate Bill 350, the Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act of 2015, to codify and implement the Governor’s goals. The bill was approved in the Senate in June and is now up for a vote in the Assembly before reaching the Governor’s desk for his signature.
Now
Opponents of the bill, led by profit-driven oil companies and their lobbyists, have mobilized an aggressive misinformation campaign designed to intimidate lawmakers and diminish public support.
We cannot afford to delay action any longer. Climate change is already wreaking havoc on California’s economy, climate and quality of life, and the effects will only intensify the longer we wait to act.
With stakes so high, it is especially important to dispel the myths surrounding this debate.
SB 350 and the Economy
California’s GDP is nearly 30% higher than it was in 2006 ($2.2 trillion vs. $1.6 trillion), and our economy is now 28% less carbon intensive (per dollar of economic activity) than it was in 1990. Our GDP is growing while our emissions fall.
California’s total non-farm employment of over 16 million is at an all-time high.
California is now the 7th largest economy in the world by Gross Domestic Product.
Since the recession ended, California leads the nation in private sector job growth, adding 1.6 million jobs.
- California added nearly half a million jobs in 2014, for job growth of 3.1%, higher than the national average of 2.3%.
- California added 52,400 jobs in May 2015, a faster rate than any other state.
California captured half ($5.7 billion) of clean tech global venture capital investment in 2014 – second only to the U.S. as a whole – helping to fuel the largest advanced energy industry in the U.S. at 430,000 workers and growing.
- In 2013 alone, employment in California’s solar industry grew nearly 16% — 10 times faster than the statewide average.
- California’s solar industry employed 55,000 people in 2014, more than the state’s five major major utilities combined. Solar companies expect to add nearly 10,000 more jobs in 2015.
To learn more, visit California Climate Leadership.
