Calif. to Enact Toughest Renewable Power Law in US

California is poised to enact a law that will require the state to get 33% of its power from renewable sources by the end of 2020—well up from its current target of 20%, and by far the most in the nation, reports the AP. "Instead of watching from the sidelines, America needs to get back in the clean energy race, and that's exactly what California is doing," said a spokeswoman for the Department of Energy.

California business groups estimate that the shift will raise energy costs by another 7%. "Industry in California already pays electricity rates about 50% higher than the rest of the country," said a spokesman for a manufacturers association. "With 33%, those rates are going to go up even more." But Gov. Jerry Brown said that pollution and security issues were worth the added expense. "I know one thing: Being dependent on foreign fossil fuel is not good for our economy, it's not good for our security, and it's not good for our climate," said Brown. "We have to be bold." (More Jerry Brown stories.)