BROWN SIGNS LAW REQUIRING UTILITIES TO BUY MORE GREEN POWER

Gov. Jerry Brown on April 12 signed a far-reaching renewable energy law requiring California utilities to obtain a third of their electricity from wind, solar and other green sources.

Speaking at the dedication of Flextronics new solar panel factory in Milpitas, Brown said the measure builds on California’s long history of innovation to make the state a leader in clean technology while reducing its dependence on fossil fuels.

“This is really a great opportunity and a great challenge,” Brown said.

Power companies like PG&E Corp., Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric under current law must purchase 20 percent of their electricity supplies from green sources. The new law, SB2X, raises that requirement to 33 percent by the year 2020.

Clean energy advocates say it will foster a new boom in renewable energy projects and foster job growth.