Report says removing state energy mandates would save consumers money
By John Cox
A new study questions the wisdom of California energy policies aimed at fighting climate change, concluding that their economic toll has been steep despite achieving unimpressive greenhouse-gas reductions . . .
The findings are likely to resonate in Kern County, where some of the environmental policies targeted in the study have been unpopular with some local oil industry leaders.
Winegarden said Thursday electricity and fuel costs elevated by state’s energy policies will go back down again if certain mandates are removed.
He specifically mentioned California’s cap-and-trade program, which forces emitters to buy clean-air credits; a requirement that investor-owned utilities source much of their electricity from renewable sources; and net metering, which requires utilities to buy excess power generated by rooftop solar panels.
“The opportunity is eliminating the policies,” he said last week. “Any loosening will help to realize at least some portion of these savings.”
