Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr.'s blog

California celebrated a major clean energy milestone yesterday as Governor Brown signed into law a bill that will significantly diversify the state’s energy portfolio.

The enacted legislation, which was authored by state Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, will increase the state’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS) to 33% by 2020 (up from the pre-existing RPS of 20%). This new law is a giant leap forward and sends an encouraging message to the venture capital community that the state remains committed to developing a vibrant renewable energy and clean technology sector.Read more

California's pioneering 33% Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) bill, authored by state Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, passed the California Assembly yesterday, sending a measure to Governor Brown’s desk – which he is expected to sign. The new standard will increase the state’s renewable portfolio standard to 33% by 2020.Read more

As Californians witnessed leading up to yesterday’s election, Proposition 23, which called for the suspension of the State’s landmark AB 32 law (the Global Warming Solutions Act), was one of the most debated items on the ballot.

While proponents of the proposition pegged Prop 23 as a “jobs initiative,” the real thrust of the proposition was to suspend AB 32 until unemployment reaches a level of 5.5% for four consecutive quarters, a mark that has been hit only a few times in the last 30 years. As a consequence, Prop 23 was effectively a repeal of the law.Read more

Today, Applied Materials’ R&D campus—home to one of the largest corporate solar installations in the nation—served as the backdrop for the debut of the newest ad for the “No on Proposition 23” campaign. The ad was introduced in a webcast this afternoon by Tom Steyer, Campaign Co-Chair (far left), California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (center), and "Avatar” movie director James Cameron (second from right). Applied Materials CFO, George Davis (far right) welcomed guests and provided a brief overview and tour of Applied Materials. The ad can be viewed at the Stop the Dirty Energy Proposition's YouTube channel.Read more

Last week, the Senate unfortunately failed to act on Senate Bill 3663 – a comprehensive energy reform bill before the August recess. In light of this disappointing delay, it is now more necessary than ever to focus our efforts to develop, and successfully implement, clean energy legislation at the state level.

While some question the value of investments in a green-collar industry, many law makers, as well as individuals and companies, are pushing for stronger development of this sector. Read more