SR 62

WHEREAS, California has been a leader in the transition to a clean energy economy; and

WHEREAS, The California exemption to the federal Clean Air Act has allowed the state to set more robust fuel efficiency standards, which has now been joined by 18 other states in reducing nationwide carbon emissions; and

WHEREAS, California leads the nation in providing tax credits to its residents for the purchase of solar energy equipment, electric and hydrogen cars and trucks, and small engines and tools, resulting in a decrease in the cost per unit worldwide for these clean energy items and increasing affordability for many; and

WHEREAS, California has created a suite of programs, including cap and trade, low carbon fuel standards, and the clean vehicle rebate project, which have collectively decreased statewide emissions and served as models for numerous states as they enact policies to promote clean energy policies; and

WHEREAS, Climate change continues to pose an immediate and urgent threat to the people of the State of California and the pace of investment into clean energy technologies is currently inadequate to meet the challenge the state, nation, and world face; and

WHEREAS, A national green bank, known as the Clean Energy and Sustainability Accelerator, would drive the deployment of clean energy technologies at an accelerated pace and bring the financial and environmental benefits of clean energy to traditionally underserved and disadvantaged communities; and

WHEREAS, On Tuesday, August 24, 2021, the United States House of Representatives approved a $3.5 trillion budget resolution, which marks another milestone toward funding for the Clean Energy and Sustainability Accelerator and paves the way for the United States Congress to consider a package that will invest in clean energy capabilities, wide-scale electrification, carbon reductions, and other climate priorities; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, That the Senate recognizes the importance and urgency of fully funding a national Clean Energy and Sustainability Accelerator, structured as an independent nonprofit organization, in order to draw in private capital and protect from political interference, to accelerate the clean energy transition in California and across the United States; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.