Net Zero Emissions Will Not Come Easy

According to New Modeling from Energy Innovation, California Is on Track to Produce 307 Million Metric Tons of Emissions in 2030 – Nearly 20% Over Target; to Meet Its 2030 Carbon Goals, the State Needs to Triple Historical Decarbonization Rates

Kavya Balaraman, June 17, 2022 (Utility Dive)

“…[New modeling found] California is not on track to meet its 2030 economy-wide decarbonization milestones based on its current policy commitments…[and projects] the state is on track to produce 307 million metric tons of emissions in 2030 – nearly 20% over target…[Electrifying energy demand in the state, especially in the context of the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine,] could reduce California’s exposure to volatile global oil markets…

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…[A California 2018 executive order targetd] carbon neutrality by 2045…[The state will need to more than triple its historical decarbonization rate] to fall below 260 MMT to meet the target in eight years…[The California Air Resources Board’s ongoing 2022 scoping plan process, developed in 2008 and updated at least every five years,] outlines the state’s approach to decarbonization…[Its draft 2022 update] focuses on the 2030 emissions reduction target as well as achieving carbon neutrality by 2045…[It has been met with criticism from some quarters, including environmentalists and climate experts, for, among other things, not being aggressive enough…

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…[There are] multiple near-term policy measures that California should prioritize…{it could require] all new cars and light-duty truck sales be zero-emission by 2030…[or] aim for 100% electrification of new appliances by 2030…[It could also] boost its clean energy standard to reach 76% renewables and 92% zero-emission electricity in 2030…[But for policy-makers to ensure that electricity remains affordable, it should avoid using] electricity rates to pay for roughly $38.9 billion in pending wildfire-related costs…” click here for more

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