Energy Efficiency, Innovation, and Job Creation in California

Publication Date: October 2008

Publisher: NEXT 10

Author(s): David Roland-Holst

Research Area: Environment

Keywords: climate change; energy consumption

Type: Report

Coverage: California

Abstract:

Global climate change poses significant risks to the California economy. Recognizing and responding to these threats, Governor Schwarzenegger signed Executive Order #S-3-05 which called for a 30 percent reduction below business-as-usual of greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.

Against this backdrop, Energy Efficiency, Innovation, and Job Creation in California analyses the economic impact of CARB's past and future policies to reduce fossil fuel generated energy demand. California's achievements in energy efficiency over the last generation are well known, but evidence about their deeper economic implications remains weak. This study examines the economy-wide employment effects of the state's landmark efficiency policies over the last thirty-five years, and forecasts the economic effects of significantly more aggressive policies proposed to reduce emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.