Economic Study: California’s Green Policies Successful Over The Decades

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Three decades of energy
efficient policies in California have created nearly 1.5 million jobs in
the state, according to a new report released this week.

The Center for Energy, Resources and Economic Sustainability
at the University of California, Berkeley reports
improved compensation in the state overall by $44.6 billion from 1977 to
2007.

“Energy efficiency is very good for real incomes, purchasing
power and job creation,” study author and economist David Roland-Holst told
the Associated Press. “Energy efficiency has really helped us stimulate the
economy.”

California’s
pioneering climate change legislation requires that carbon dioxide emissions be
cut to 1990 levels by 2020. Residents who save money on energy bills, via
energy efficiency requirements, spend this money on other goods and services,
which helps boost the entire state infrastructure.

Continued efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will
ultimately benefit California’s
economy by cutting costs, adding jobs, and saving residents money, according to
another report.

“These reports support the conclusion that guiding California toward a
clean energy future with reduced dependence on fossil fuels will grow our
economy, improve public health, protect the environment and create a more secure
future built on clean and sustainable technologies,” said Mary Nichols, Air Resources Board Chairman.

California’s air regulators
project 100,000 more jobs would be pumped into the economy as a result of
expanded greenhouse gas reduction guidelines, and an average
California household would save $400 a year due to higher energy efficiency
in vehicles and homes.