Wind farm with solar panels in southern California. 4kodiak / E+ / Getty Images Despite the Trump administration’s ongoing attempts to prop up coal and undermine renewables—at FERC , EPA and through tariffs and the budget process —2018 should instead be remembered for the surge in momentum toward a clean energy economy. Here are nine storylines that caught my attention this past year and help illustrate the unstoppable advancement of renewable energy and other modern grid technologies. 1. California Goes All-In for Carbon-Free Electricity In late August, California—the world’s 5th largest economy—committed to the target of fully decarbonizing its power sector by 2045. The landmark legislation also strengthens the state’s renewable portfolio standard (also known as a renewable energy standard, or RES) from 50 to 60 percent by 2030. What’s more, at the bill signing, Governor Jerry Brown signed an executive order that establishes a goal of achieving carbon-neutrality across all sectors of California’s sprawling economy by 2045, cementing the state’s place as a global leader in climate action. 2. Several States Strengthen Their RES Requirements State-level renewable electricity standards continued to be a primary driver of new renewable energy development in 2018. In addition to California, legislatures in […]
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