Energy Efficiency, Innovation, and Job Creation in California" a study from the University of California Berkeley, confirmed the research done by California Air Resources Board that energy efficiency practices help states cut energy independence, create jobs, and increase the gross state product.
“Energy Efficiency, Innovation, and Job Creation in California” , a study from the University of California Berkeley, confirmed the research done by California Air Resources Board that energy efficiency practices help states cut energy independence, create jobs, and increase the gross state product. The energy efficient practices helped the state of California cut energy independence and boost productivity in comparison to 30 years ago. Both studies used identical modeling, although the state’s analysis assumed a flat rate of energy efficiency and static technology characteristics. The U.C. Berkeley-Next 10 study includes the potential for innovation to reduce energy intensity. Non-profit, Next 10 funded the research authored by Professor Roland-Holst.
“Our study reveals the economic power of energy innovation and efficiency, and the promise for California if the state redoubles its efforts as proposed in the Draft Scoping Plan to implement the Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32),” said Roland-Holst.
AB 32 calls for the statewide reduction in emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and going forward, the state will gain more than 400,000 new jobs. As a result, California will grow its gross state product by $76 billion and increase household incomes by as much as $48 billion.
To understand the impact of the aggressive legislation, the report turns to policies from the last 35 years. The report found the state reduced per capita energy needs to 40% below the national average. Energy efficiency measures created 1.5 million jobs and saved households $56 billion between 1972 and 2006.
