California Goes Green–Its Road to Climate Leadership

Abstract: California has made tremendous energy and environmental progress over the past several decades and is a world leader in dealing with the severe threat climate change presents to the planet. Lessons learned in California can be transferred to other states, regions and nations and show how it is possible to have a healthy, vibrant economy and an environment that is getting cleaner and better. Today our state ranks as the sixth largest economy in the world, yet its greenhouse gas emissions rank twentieth in the world.  This is a tribute to the people of the state and to its leaders who have worked in a bipartisan manner to achieve California`s clean air, clean energy and clean economy goals. The lessons learned in California are particularly valuable given the negative stance on climate change now emanating from Washington DC.  In the words of former US EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, "Climate change is the existential threat of our lifetime. California [has] forged a path towards a low carbon future [and] reminds us of the spirit of innovation that binds us."

Bio: Born in New York City and raised in San Francisco.  BA and MA in Economics from UC Berkeley. Economist, US Dept. of Labor, Washington DC. Research Director, California AFL-CIO. President, California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance. Officer and President, Southern California Edison Company. Founder and President, New Energy, an energy supply and services company. President of California Utilities Commission, 2002-2014, appointed by Governor Gray Davis and reappointed by Governors Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jerry Brown. Member and former chairman, UC Davis Energy Efficiency Center.  Retired.