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Environmental Groups Question California Solar Initiative

A proposed initiative requiring more of California's electricity to come from renewable sources is drawing criticism from some environmental groups. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

Environmental Groups Question California Solar Initiative

A proposed initiative requiring more of California's electricity to come from renewable sources is drawing criticism from some environmental groups.  KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

The Solar and Clean Energy Act would require all electric utilities
to produce half of their electricity from clean energy sources such as solar and wind by 2025.

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Supporters say that would reduce the use of fossil fuels for electricity.  
Derek Walker is with the Environmental Defense Fund in Sacramento. Walker says the group supports renewable energy.

Walker: The initiative sets up a system however that doesn't adequately account for the costs associated with bringing renewable energy to market.

Walker also says the solar initiative provides financial penalties for failure to meet renewable targets. He says that gives utility companies an easy way to buy their way out of meeting the goals.

Supporters say they've turned in enough signatures to qualify the solar measure for next November's ballot.

Ed Joyce, KPBS News.