California Senate Bill 100, or The 100 Percent Clean Energy Act of 2018, is a California state law which speeds up existing renewable portfolio standard requirements and sets a soft target which aims to generate 100% of California's retail-sold electricity from zero-carbon resources by 2045 (includes non-"renewable eligible" resources such as large hydro and nuclear power).[1]
As of 2017, California and Hawaii are the only states with statewide 100% clean energy goals.[2][3] However, Hawaii mandates 100% renewable energy, whereas California mandates 100% clean energy.[4]
SB 100 was introduced by Kevin de León, who was at the time President pro tempore of the California State Senate, and it was eventually signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown. SB 100 builds on previous legislation also constructed by de León, SB 350 of the 2015-2016 legislative session.[1] SB 100 accelerates the goals set forth in SB 350 and significantly adds a new soft target of 100% clean energy for electricity sold at retail. Both of the bills' hard targets utilize the renewable portfolio standard program set in place[5] by former governor Gray Davis.
The legislation was passed approximately a year after the legislature voted to extend California's landmark cap and trade program in 2017.[6]
33% of California's retail-sold electricity must come from renewable eligible resources
By Dec 31, 2024
44% of retail-sold electricity must come from renewable eligible resources
By Dec 31, 2027
52% of retail-sold electricity must come from renewable eligible resources
By Dec 31, 2030
60% of retail-sold electricity must come from renewable eligible resources
By Dec 31, 2045
Soft target deadline of having all retail-sold electricity generated from zero-carbon resources (includes non-"renewable eligible" resources such as large hydro and nuclear power)
The law also requires that the Public Utilities Commission, Department of Water Resources, Energy Commission, and state board issue a joint report to the legislature no later than January 1, 2021, and every 4 years thereafter, discussing the soft target goal.[1]
