[San Francisco, Sept. 11, 2015] – Following passage of Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León’s bill, SB 350, Advanced Energy Economy issued the following statement:
“California has shown that ambitious energy and climate goals can drive innovation and growth, creating significant employment for the state,” said Graham Richard, CEO of Advanced Energy Economy, a national business association with significant member companies operating in California. “This bill sets our sights even higher for renewable energy and energy efficiency. These new goals will continue the state’s leadership in energy innovation and keep the economic momentum going. We are disappointed, however, that the Legislature was unable to take action this session setting specific transportation goals for 2030, which would have sent a clear market signal for continued growth of electric vehicles and alternative fuels over the next decade. We are also concerned about the lack of action on SB 32, which would have sent clear long-term market signals on which businesses can confidently grow. But we look forward to working with Gov. Brown and legislative leaders to overcome resistance and add these important elements to the mix.”
In a groundbreaking survey commissioned by the Advanced Energy Economy Institute, a nonprofit educational organization affiliated with AEE, advanced energy employment in California was documented as 431,000 workers in 2014, with significant employment found in all areas of the state. Employers reported 5 percent growth in advanced energy-related jobs over 2013, and projected 17 percent growth in employment for 2015.
The advanced energy industry actively supported SB 350, including a lobby day in mid-August, where 30 advanced energy company representatives called on the Governor’s office, Senate offices and Assembly members. On Aug. 20, AEE convened energy leaders from industry, utilities, agencies and the State Capitol at AEE’s Pathway to 2050, the organization’s third annual event in Sacramento focusing on the challenges and opportunities for business growth arising from California’s nation-leading climate and energy commitments. The national association earlier had convened industry and utility leaders to develop and publish a working group paper, Toward a 21st Century Electricity System for California, outlining new regulatory frameworks and utility business models to reach policy objectives, facilitate the deployment of new technologies, and offer new customer options.
About Advanced Energy Economy
Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) is a national association of businesses making the energy we use secure, clean, and affordable. Advanced energy products and services include energy efficiency, demand response, natural gas electricity generation, solar, wind, hydro, electric vehicles, energy storage, biofuels, and smart grid. AEE’s mission is to transform public policy to enable rapid growth of advanced energy businesses. AEE works with member companies located and doing business in California to help the state reach its energy and climate goals by focusing on effective implementation, leveraging public dollars with private investment, and building public support. Visit AEE at www.aee.net.
Media Contacts:
Susan DeVico, 510-339-1527, susandv@aol.com
Monique Hanis, 202-391-0884, mhanis@aee.net
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