California's Alternative Energy Strategy, or Lack Thereof, Heads for a Reckoning

California has set a deadline of 2020 to rely less on fossil fuels and more on alternative energy, but a report finds this strategy could end up emptying ratepayers' pockets and damaging the state's environmental resources, reports Julie Cart.

2 minute read

December 7, 2012, 8:00 AM PST

By Jessica Hsu


The increase of wind and solar sources to California's energy mix is intended to reduce the state's use of fossil fuels, in accordance with a legal requirement that state utilities must draw a third of their power from these renewable sources by 2020. The effort is applaudable, says nonpartisan Little Hoover Commission, but this plan could be a "profoundly expensive policy failure" due to the "balkanized" and "dysfunctional" network of state energy agencies. In its analysis "Rewiring California," the Commission warns that policy errors resulted in the crisis that raised electricity rates through the roof during former Governor Gray Davis's administration and that a similar problem could happen due to the current energy strategy, or lack thereof. Their recommendation for Governor Jerry Brown is "to establish a single overarching entity or agency to coordinate the state's energy policy."

"Getting it right is far more important than speed," said Commission Chairman David Hancock. "Without more careful calibration of these policies, Californians may wind up paying more than necessary for electricity and the state may unnecessarily degrade pristine habitat in its rush to implement renewable energy goals." Even though the energy initiative is a step towards the future, the Commission asks Brown "to assess the real cost of the state's energy policies and determine whether they will help achieve the goal of reducing fossil fuel emissions" and to consider "a moratorium on further renewable energy policies."

Wednesday, December 5, 2012 in The Los Angeles Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Google street view of red brick multi-story power plant building in Pittsburgh, PA.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower

A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

July 4 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Cyclist on protected bike lane in middle of street in Washington D.C. with Washington Monument obelisk visible in background.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”

The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

July 4 - Streetsblog USA

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business