Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies (CEERT)

In 2022, CEERT: Helped pave the way for a proposed decision in the California Public Utilities Commissions (CPUCs) Integrated Resource Planning proceeding that recommends an unprecedentedly low greenhouse-gas emissions target for the power sector, a level that would allow the state to reach its energy and climate goals and underscore the necessity of accelerated cleanenergy deployment. Successfully pushed for critical changes in the final version of the California Air Resources Boards 2022 Climate Change Scoping Plan: the elimination of new gas-fired power plants, the adoption of an ambitious offshore-wind target, and a recognition of potential adverse impacts resulting from carbon capture and storage technology in fossil-fuel facilities such as oil refineries. Influenced the inclusion of essential new transmission lines and upgrades in the California Independent System Operators 20-Year Outlook, its 2022-2023 Transmission Planning Process, and its Transmission Planning Forum. Advocated for transmission expansions in the Central Valley to tap new solar farms; a line from the Imperial Valley to carry geothermal energy; lines from Wyoming and New Mexico to bring in low-cost wind power; an expansion of an intertie from the Pacific Northwest to Los Angeles; and an undersea cable to bring offshore wind power to the California grid. Continued working with our allies in nearby states on regional grid integration issues and the establishment of an Extended Day-Ahead Market, which will result in improved transmission planning, renewables trading, and cost savings throughout the West. Partnered with our affiliates in the Central Valley to realize the buildout of utility-scale solar farms, to help bring the benefits of those projects to local communities, and to secure residents full access to workforce training and employment programs. Championed policies to further co-production of renewable energy and lithium from geothermal plants at the Salton Sea and ensure community benefits and workforce training opportunities for Imperial Valley residents. Kept pushing for new CPUC Resource Adequacy counting rules for hybrid resources like solar-plus-storage, which could result in 60,000-80,000 MW of new generation. Convened periodic meetings on renewable hydrogen with environmental NGOs andacademic and industry experts to discuss green electrolyzers vs. fossil gas feedstocks; production, transport, and distribution of hydrogen; and best/least appropriate end uses. Strongly supported the Advanced Clean Cars II regulations for passenger vehicles and light trucks, which aim to ensure that by 2035 all new cars and light trucks sold in California will be either zero-emission vehicles or a limited number of plug-in hybrids.