Southern California Edison today proposed an
integrated strategic framework for the state of California to meet its
ambitious climate and air quality goals. SCE describes its Clean
Power and Electrification Pathway in a white paper released today.
The approach builds upon existing state programs by
identifying cost-effective actions to increase clean energy in the electric
system and to leverage that clean electricity in the transportation and
building sectors to achieve needed emissions reductions. California
environmental goals include reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40
percent from 1990 levels by 2030 and by 80 percent by 2050, as well as reducing
nitrogen oxides (NOx) and other health-harming pollutants in areas of the state
with the highest levels of air pollution by 2032.
"Climate change and air pollution are serious threats
that will require the state to transform the way energy is produced and
used," said Pedro Pizarro, president and CEO of Edison International, the
parent company of SCE. "California is a global leader in addressing
climate change and we will enable those efforts by leading the transformation
of the electric industry to better serve our customers, protect the environment
and improve public health."
The integrated approach developed by SCE emphasizes the urgency
of implementing the actions outlined. With only 12 years to reach the 2030
target, timely and proactive decisions will have to be made. Policymakers as
well as business and community leaders must quickly align on the near-term
policies, programs and market changes needed to meet California's ambitious
timeline.
"I am encouraged to see SCE proposing solutions and
taking seriously our clean air needs and climate protection goals," said
Joseph Lyou, president and CEO of the Coalition for Clean Air, and South Coast
Air Quality Management District board member.
"SCE's push to evolve the role of solar energy and the
clean energy market will result in making zero emission electric supply
available cost effectively for expanded use in transportation, homes and
businesses," said Mark Widmar, CEO of First Solar.
The Clean Power and Electrification Pathway calls for three
closely linked efforts that support and build upon each other:
Doubling the use of
carbon-free electricity from 40 percent today to 80 percent by 2030, supported
by energy storage - The electric sector has already reduced GHG emissions below
1990 levels and now accounts for only 19 percent of California's GHG emissions.
The plan calls for increasing the use of large-scale, carbon-free generation
such as wind, solar and large hydroelectric power plants to at least 80 percent
of electricity delivered to customers, continued use of distributed rooftop
solar and doubling energy efficiency by 2030.
Accelerating the
use of electric vehicles, including passenger cars and medium- and heavy-duty
vehicles, to more than 7 million by 2030 - The transportation sector is
the largest source of GHG emissions and local air quality problems, with 40
percent of the goods entering the nation moving through the region's ports and
highways. "It is critical that we work toward providing measurable
reductions in air pollution that causes health problems and disproportionately
affects communities that are located near transportation corridors with heavy
freight movement," Pizarro said.
To encourage consumer acceptance and adoption
of electric vehicles, SCE's proposal urges development of additional
charging infrastructure and continued financial incentives that lower the
purchase price of electric vehicles during the early stages of adoption,
particularly for low- and middle-income communities.
Increasing
electrification of commercial and residential space and water heating -
SCE's plan indicates that the electrification of nearly one-third of
residential and commercial space and water heaters, combined with continued
improvements in energy efficiency in buildings, could reduce GHG emissions
significantly.
The SCE proposal provides continued support for the state's
market-based, cap-and-trade program as a critical component of efforts to
reduce GHG emissions, while ensuring that electricity remains affordably priced
for utility customers. The proposal also recognizes the importance of
geographically diverse sources of renewable energy and regional markets that
support affordable, zero carbon energy supplies.
"SCE is dedicated to delivering a clean energy future
for California," said SCE President Ron Nichols. "The Clean Power and
Electrification Pathway provides a blueprint to achieve the company's and
the state's
air quality and climate policy goals by building a clean energy
economy while creating high-skill middle income jobs. SCE will continue to
leverage and expand a wide variety of innovative technologies, including
large-scale and customer-sited renewables, energy storage and energy
efficiency."
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