Gavin Newsom embraces ‘unclean’ energy to tackle blackouts.
Gov. Gavin Newsom Embraces “Dirty” Energy to Keep California’s Lights On
Despite his commitment to transitioning to renewable energy, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California has found himself relying more on nonrenewable energy sources to prevent blackouts and maintain the state’s strained energy grid.
While facing criticism from environmental activists, Newsom has emphasized the practical necessity of using some nonrenewables while highlighting his efforts to transition to cleaner energy alternatives.
“Gov. Newsom is committed to keeping the lights on while maintaining affordability for all Californians,” said Daniel Villasenor, Newsom’s deputy press secretary.
“At the same time, the governor has advanced the nation’s most aggressive transition away from fossil fuels and has taken action to make it easier to build the clean energy projects our state needs,” he added.
The state’s energy grid has long struggled, especially during extreme temperatures. In 2020, a heat wave led to rolling blackouts across California, and Newsom had to urge the public to conserve energy during hot periods last summer.
These crises have forced Newsom to reconsider his stance on shutting down certain energy sites that he had previously criticized. One example is Aliso Canyon, a gas storage facility that faced controversy in 2015 due to the largest methane leak in U.S. history.
According to Politico, Newsom campaigned for governor with the promise of shutting down Aliso Canyon. However, in light of the energy crisis, the California Public Utilities Commission, appointed by Newsom, will vote on expanding the facility by two-thirds.
Additionally, Newsom’s administration has extended the lifespan of three natural gas plants in Southern California and the state’s only nuclear power plant.
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