Solar Highways Support State Goals to Reduce Man-Made Emissions
In an effort to support California’s Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32), which grants the state the right to set emission standards and implement greenhouse gas guidelines, Republic Solar Highways brings a new approach to solar energy in Santa Clara County. Known as Republic Solar Highways, this pilot project will be placing solar energy generation facilities on currently vacant Caltrans land along U.S. Route 101. The project will contribute to the state’s goal of reducing carbon emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.
California is the second largest emitter of carbon in the United States. AB 32 is targeted at creating technologies that increase energy efficiency in homes, buildings and vehicles as well as reducing dependence on non-renewable energy sources.
The Bay Area has outlined goals for implementing AB 32 standards in The Bay Area’s Principles for Establishing Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets under the California Air Resources Board (ARB) regulations. The first project of its kind, Republic Solar Highways will contribute numerous benefits to the community including a new viable renewable energy source, green jobs, revenue for the state of California and significant carbon emission offsets. In fact, this project will offset over two million car miles traveled per year.
Republic Solar Highways will become a “best practices” model for distributed solar energy generation upon its completion. With solar energy a high priority for many key local and state agencies, this project has broad based support from many elected leaders and community organizations.
The project also aligns with several other important local and regional plans including the Morgan Hill Environmental Agenda, Santa Clara County’s Cool Counties Climate Stabilization Declaration (link to Climate Action Plan) and San Jose’s Green Vision.
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This work was funded in whole or in part through a grant awarded by the Strategic Growth Council
