California Regulators Release Climate Change Policy in Support of State’s Ambitious Goals

(SAN FRANCISCO – December 16, 2015) The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) released a draft climate change policy today, stating it will develop policies that support the state’s ambitious climate and energy goals. Commissioners and their staff are not currently required to factor greenhouse gas emissions impacts into energy policy decisions affecting California’s electricity sector, like they do with reliability, safety, and affordability. While this is a step forward, it does not specify what kind of policies the Commission plans to use to support the state’s pollution reduction goals.

“With a clearly-defined greenhouse gas target, this proposed update to the CPUC’s decision-making process could be a huge win for Californian’s health, economy, and environment. Environmental Defense Fund urges the Commission to include an ambitious emissions reductions target within their climate change policy in order to ensure reduced pollution, more renewables, and increased customer choice and control.”

• Gavin Purchas, California Director, Clean Energy