California senate passes 100% renewables bill

The California State Senate on Wednesday passed a bill that calls for the state to use 100% renewable electricity by 2045.

The measure by Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de Leon was approved by a vote of 25 to 13. The next step is the bill to be considered by the state Assembly.

Currently, California's Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) requires 50% of retail electricity sales in the state to come from renewables by 2030. The bill accelerates that to 2026 and increases the 2030 target to 60%.

The news comes as the world waits for US president Donald Trump to announce his decision on the Paris agreement amid reports he is preparing to quit the global climate pact.

I will be announcing my decision on Paris Accord, Thursday at 3:00 P.M. The White House Rose Garden. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 1, 2017

"Today, we passed the most ambitious target in the world to expand clean energy and put Californians to work," De Leon said in a press release. "Now more than ever, it is critical that we double down on climate leadership as we learn that the President intends to withdraw from the Paris agreement. Regardless of what Washington does, California will show the way forward," he added.

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