State Democratic Leaders Push Bills To Grow Green Economy

California — State legislative Democrats say California needs to take the lead in attracting clean energy businesses to the state. Both the Senate and Assembly leaders unveiled a package of bills on Wednesday they say will put California ahead in the emerging clean technology market. Assembly Speaker John Perez says those jobs can’t go elsewhere.

“Green manufacturing has the potential to create millions of jobs in the coming decade,” Perez said. “Those jobs are going to be created somewhere and every person in this state recognizes the natural home for those promising industries needs to be California.”

The measures include one bill to require both public and private energy providers to obtain 33 percent of their electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar by 2020. The current state requirement is 20 percent.

Republican Assemblyman Dan Logue criticizes the plan, saying the green economy is built on federal subsidies, which cost taxpayers. He says the private sector will make this happen if the profits are there.