Future of Climate and Clean
Energy Policy
A Legislative Perspective
Kip Lipper
Office of the Senate Pro Tem
Power Assn of Northern CA
December 16, 2014
Legislative Staff Disclaimer
“The views presented are those of the speaker only and
do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Senate Pro
Tem, any other Senator, or the Senate as an institution.”
Key Points to Cover:
Election Impacts on Clean Energy/Climate Policy
Preview of 2015-2016 Legislative Session
Status of Key Climate and Clean Energy Laws/Regulations
Next Steps for 2015—Policy and Politics
2014 General Election
 National Vote Major Legislative Setback for Clean Energy
and Climate (House/Senate—Climate “Deniers”)
 As Usual California Bucked the National Trend (No statewide
office to Republicans)
 Governor Reelected handily—Leading Climate Champion
 Pro Environment Majorities Elected in Both Leg Houses
 Legislative Leadership Strongly pro Clean Energy/Climate
2014 Legislative Elections
 “Top Two” Election Rule Generally Favored Moderates
 Few Surprises—Bocanegra (LA), Allen (San Fernando
Valley), Thurmond (East Bay)
 New Assembly Energy and Environmental Chairs Already
Announced (Rendon, Williams)
 Senate Chairs Still Pending
Governor Second Term Clean
Energy/Climate Agenda
 Strong new statements on clean energy and climate policy
(“announcements in 60 days”)
 Appoint two new CPUC Commissioners (including President)
 January Budget (cap and trade, clean energy expenditures)
 Governor typically makes broad pronouncements, lets leg do
details
Senate Clean Energy and
Climate Agenda 2015
 Extend climate targets past 2020 to 2030 and 2050
 New “Deep Dive” on De-carbonizing Grid, Transportation
 Review Cap and Trade Expenditures and Re-Optimize Where
Appropriate
 Coal Divestiture—CALPERS, UC)
 Climate Adaptation—Wildland fires, coastal sea rise
 CPUC Reform (need functioning agency for RPS and EE)
Some Variables To Consider
 International Actions—Lima and Paris
 Presidential and Congressional Actions
 Bringing Transportation Fuels Under Cap (public reaction)
 Legislative Vote Threshold for Climate Bills
 New Legislative Leaders in both houses in 2015
 Gov Second Term Turnover (Peevey first of several)
Some Bottom Lines
 California will continue to lead the world on climate policy
and clean energy.
 Key Element of Brown Second Term Legacy
 Details Matter—HOW we meet our climate targets more
important than the targets themselves
 New and ever-changing cast of character bring new thinking
to key issues
Thank You.
Questions?