Renewable Energy Legislation Welcome News for California Small Businesses
Statement by John Arensmeyer, CEO, Small Business Majority:
Today Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation that will speed the state's transition to a clean energy economy and spur demand for goods and services many California small businesses provide. The newly signed law, which requires California utilities to get one-third of their electricity from renewable energy sources like solar and wind power by 2020, creates tremendous opportunities for small businesses in the burgeoning clean energy economy. Gov. Brown should be commended for signing this aggressive bill into law.
Our opinion research has shown that 61 percent of small business owners agree that moving to clean energy will restart the economy and create jobs. Our analysis of energy efficiency policies backs that up. In October we released a study of California's clean energy law, AB 32, which found that the increased investments, energy savings and innovation the law fosters will boost small businesses bottom lines and expedite job creation. The same is true for the measure Gov. Brown signed today, as many of the companies that stand to benefit the most from this policy are small businesses representing diverse sectors of the state's economy.
California has a rich tradition of leadership on issues like clean energy, and we're confident that this new law will help small businesses get back on their feet and bring them and the state new opportunities for growth and prosperity.
Small Business Majority is a California-based, national nonpartisan small business advocacy organization focused on solving the biggest problems facing America's 28 million small businesses. We conduct extensive opinion and economic research and work with small business owners, policy experts and elected officials nationwide to bring small business voices to the public policy table.