SOLUTIONS 
Energy
One of the most important things we can do to stem climate change is to adopt forward-thinking policies that favor renewable energy sources—such as wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass (fuel from plant matter and organic wastes)—over fossil fuels such as coal. This cost-effective solution will not only reduce heat-trapping emissions that cause global warming, but will also cut other types of pollution that threaten health.
At the same time, we have to insist that fossil fuel plants clean up their acts as even under the best of circumstances, fossil fuels will continue to provide a share of our energy for years to come.
Finally, we need to bring down energy consumption by conserving energy and promoting energy-efficient practices and technologies.
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Renewable Energy
California state law currently requires the largest electric utilities to increase their use of wind, solar, and other renewable electricity sources to 20 percent by 2010. But municipal utilities and irrigation districts, which consume about one-fourth of the state's total electric energy, are not subject to the same standard. A strong standard would include all electric utilities and suppliers, and increase the share of renewable energy to 33 percent by 2020. Increasing the amount of renewable electricity will help reduce California's heavy reliance on natural gas today and proposed investments in new coal-fired power plants. It will yield cleaner air, local jobs, and more stable electricity and natural gas prices, while conserving resources for future generations. Renewable energy makes economic sense for California, a state with significant wind, bioenergy, geothermal, and solar resources.
Read our fact sheet on a 33 percent Renewable Electricity Standard. (PDF)
Energy Efficiency
California has long been a leader in reducing electricity consumption through the use of better technology and building design. Efficiency programs, and efficiency standards for buildings and appliances, saved enough electricity and natural gas between 1975 and 2001 to heat and power the entire state for more than two years. However, we have not fully utilized all available and cost-effective measures. California should pursue additional electricity efficiency measures that save both energy and money, increase investments in natural gas efficiency, and continue to improve building and appliance standards. A clean energy strategy should also promote "demand response" programs, which encourage customers to curb energy use during peak periods when demand for electricity is highest.
