Did You Know...
California is
Transitioning to
100% Clean Energy?
California's Transition to Clean Energy
California is undergoing one of the most ambitious energy transformations in the world.
By 2045, the state has committed to producing 100% of its electricity from clean, renewable sources—and Los Angeles County has set an even more aggressive target of 2035.
This transition is not just about the environment. It is about how Californians will live, work, move, and build resilience in a changing world.
Why California is Going Green!
The urgency behind California’s clean energy goals are driven by real and growing challenges:
Climate Change & Global Warming
Rising temperatures, prolonged heat waves, wildfires, droughts, AI usage, and extreme weather events are placing unprecedented strain on California’s energy system.
Traditional fossil-fuel-based power contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, accelerating these impacts and threatening public health, infrastructure, and economic stability.
Transitioning to renewable energy—such as solar, battery storage, and clean transportation- reduces emissions, improves air quality, and helps mitigate the long-term effects of climate change.
The Cost of Staying on the Grid
For many urban communities, reliance on the traditional energy grid has become increasingly risky and expensive.
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Rolling blackouts and power shutoffs disrupt daily life and business operations.
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High and unpredictable energy bills strain household budgets and operating costs.
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Power outages reduce productivity, interrupt commerce, and impact essential services.
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Grid vulnerability leaves communities exposed during heat waves, wildfires, and emergencies.
Clean energy solutions- like rooftop solar, backup batteries, energy efficiency upgrades, and EV infrastructure- offer a way to reduce dependence on the grid, stabilize costs, and improve energy reliability.
What This Transition Makes Possible
California’s clean energy goals are not just about reducing emissions- they are about opportunity.
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New careers and workforce pathways in solar, EV charging, energy efficiency, construction, and technology.
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Business and real estate opportunities tied to sustainable development and energy upgrades.
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Lower long-term operating costs for homes, businesses, and institutions.
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Healthier communities with cleaner air and reduced pollution.
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More resilient neighborhoods less vulnerable to grid disruptions.
But these benefits are not automatic—and they are not evenly distributed.
The Awareness Gap in LA County
Despite being at the forefront of California’s clean energy push, many communities across Los Angeles County remain disconnected from the transition. Gaps persist in:
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Understanding what clean energy actually means.
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Awareness of available programs, incentives, and financing.
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Access to workforce training and career pathways.
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Knowledge of how clean energy policies impacts housing, transportation, and local economies.
Without intentional education and guided pathways, clean energy risks becoming something that happens around communities instead of with them.
Why Urban Communities Matter
A successful clean energy transition depends on participation. When communities understand what’s changing- and why- it builds trust, confidence, and engagement.
When they have access to resources and real-world opportunities, clean energy becomes practical instead of abstract.
This is especially critical in urban environments, where energy demand is high, infrastructure is complex, and the impacts of climate change and grid failures are felt most acutely.
Empowering urban communities with knowledge, access, and tools is essential- not only for equity, but for the success of California’s clean energy goals overall.
MREP CA's Role in the Transition
This is where the Minority Renewable Energy Project of California (MREP CA) comes in. We understand that urban neighborhoods are home to:
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A large share of California’s workforce
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Dense housing and commercial corridors
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Small businesses critical to local economies
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Aging infrastructure with high energy demand
We exist to ensure California’s urban marketplace has a clear understanding, real access, and meaningful opportunity to participate and benefit from the state’s clean energy future.
Through education, workforce development, sustainable redevelopment, and advocacy, MREP CA helps communities move from awareness to action- so clean energy becomes not just a policy goal, but a shared economic and social benefit.
Why a Just
Transition
Ecosystem
Matters:
The Reality
in Numbers
64%
EV Charging Infrastructure
Disadvantaged communities have about 64% fewer public EV charging stations per capita than more affluent neighborhoods- a significant access gap that effects renters and homeowners in urban areas.
72%
Workforce Opportunity
A regional labor survey indicated that over 72% of respondents reported they were not connected to major workforce development initiatives- particularly in underserved areas where outreach is often lower.
38%
Access to Incentives
In LA County, 38% of solar incentives went to customers to disadvantaged communities, while most incentives went to wealthier areas- leading to continued gaps in clean energy solutions and economic opportunity.
70%
Energy Efficiency Upgardes
Over 70% of eligible homes in California still lack basic energy-efficiency upgrades that could lower bills and improve health- creating major potential for cost savings and healthier communities.
California's Clean Energy Commitment
Understanding the state and local plans shaping our energy future
California’s clean energy future is shaped by coordinated action at the state, county, and city levels.
Below are the foundational policies and plans driving the transition- influencing how communities across Los Angeles County prepare, participate, and benefit:
Learn more about the clean energy bills and laws shaping California’s future on our Advocacy page.