California governor signs major climate law

California Gov. Edmund “Jerry” Brown (D) on Wednesday signed into law a landmark measure to fight climate change through increased renewable electricity and building efficiency.

The signing fulfills a major promise Brown made earlier this year and continues California’s efforts to be at the forefront in the United States and the world in fighting climate change.

{mosads}“This is big,” Brown said of the legislation, according to the Los Angeles Times. “It’s big because it’s global in scope. It’s also big because it’s local in application.”

“We’re mainstreaming clean power,” state Senate leader Kevin de León said, adding that no matter where Californians live, “you will have the same access to clean electricity and clean air.”

California will now be required to get half of its electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar power by 2030, an increase from the current goal of 33 percent by 2020.

State buildings are also mandated to become twice as energy efficient by 2030.

Brown, de León and other state leaders removed a major piece of the effort in August that would have reduced the state’s petroleum use amid strong opposition from the oil industry.