California Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill Sept. 10 that puts the state on a path to use 100 percent clean electricity by 2045, according to time.com.
At a ceremony in Sacramento, Calif., with legislative leaders, Brown said the action will set an example for the rest of the world and is necessary.
"It's not going to be easy and it will not be immediate, but it must be done," he said.
The decision came as leaders from throughout the world headed to San Francisco for a global climate change summit. California already was working to produce 50 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2030, and this new bill is expected to offer a starting point for discussions about steps local and regional governments should take to address environmental issues.
Under the new mandate, the state eventually will need to obtain all its electricity from sources such as solar, wind and hydropower. The measure also accelerates the renewable energy target currently in place to 50 percent by 2025 and 60 percent by 2030.
California environmental goals often have exceeded federal standards, and Brown has repeatedly criticized President Trump's inaction regarding such issues. As Brown prepared to sign the bill, he said whatever "naysayers" might suggest about climate change, "it is a real, present danger to California and the people of the world."
Although it is unclear how California is going to meet the goal, signing the bill is meant to send a signal to businesses that is expected to prompt more investment in clean energy, and supporters hope the commitment will encourage innovation that helps California reach a carbon-free state during the next 27 years.
