Last week, the U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of governors representing 24 states and 60 percent of the U.S. economy, gathered in New York City for Climate Week. As Trump lied to the United Nations about clean energy, the Alliance delivered a showcase of state-level climate actions, including a new analysis highlighting how states like California are cutting emissions faster than the rest of the nation.
Some of the most promising areas for state-level action include building electrification, geothermal energy development, and reducing energy demand.
Building electrification and heat pump adoption are top priorities for states because methane gas that heats buildings is 20 times more powerful as a warming compound than carbon dioxide. Ten states, including California, have recently committed to increasing sales of residential electric heat pumps to 65 percent of total heating, air conditioning, and water heating equipment sales by 2030 and 90 percent by 2040. However, California’s heat pump rebate program has run out of funding 26 times in three-and-a-half years.
Several states are also leading on geothermal energy, a clean energy resource to help speed the transition away from fossil fuels. This is especially urgent with the rise of AI, which requires enormous amounts of energy. Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Washington recently enacted policies to study the potential of thermal energy networks (TENs) that could include geothermal. These networks can provide efficient heating and cooling to neighborhoods through a shared network of pipes that transfer heat in and out of buildings. Here in California, AB 531 (Rogers) will expand geothermal projects — if Newsom signs it into law in the next two weeks.
Finally, virtual power plants (VPPs) reduce energy demand and costs by aggregating power from clean resources like solar-powered backup batteries, smart thermostats, and electric vehicles. Under a new bill in the Illinois legislature, the state would create a VPP program and mandate that its two largest utilities propose their own VPP programs by 2027. Governor Newsom can accelerate the use of VPPs in California by signing AB 740 (Harabedian).
In the face of ever-worsening climate impacts, California must do more, faster. We are fortunate to be in California — one of the key states making climate progress — but we know there is much more needed! Take action today by urging Governor Newsom to sign AB 531, AB 740, and also SB 279 (McNerny) to expand composting.
This blog first appeared in The Climate Center’s bi-weekly newsletter. To keep up with the latest climate news and ways to take action for a climate-safe future, subscribe today!
