Sen. Skinner Introduces 2024 Climate Package to Further Decarbonize CA’s Industrial Sector and Launch a New Market to Reclaim Rare Minerals
State Senator Nancy Skinner, representing Berkeley, has introduced her 2024 Climate Package, aimed at advancing California’s efforts in decarbonizing the industrial sector, promoting the use of green cement and concrete, and establishing a market for recovering and reusing rare earth elements and other essential metals for clean energy applications.
The package includes three key bills:
– SB 941: Focuses on decarbonizing California’s industrial sector, which currently contributes to 25% of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.
– SB 1073: Aims to accelerate the transition to green cement and concrete by allowing state agencies to purchase low-carbon products up to 10 years in advance.
– SB 1306: Seeks to kickstart a statewide initiative for recovering and reusing rare earth elements and precious metals crucial for clean energy technologies.
Senator Skinner highlighted the importance of addressing climate challenges in California, particularly within the industrial sector, which presents a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. SB 941 will drive strategies for industrial decarbonization, while SB 1073 will leverage the state’s purchasing power to support low-carbon cement technologies.
The bill SB 1306 aims to establish a market for recovering rare earth elements and other metals from old electronics, reducing the need for environmentally damaging mining practices. By focusing on recycling and reusing these materials domestically, California can make significant strides towards a sustainable clean energy future.
Senator Skinner emphasized the state’s commitment to clean energy innovation and the importance of legislation like the 2024 Climate Package in advancing California’s position as a global leader in combating climate change. Additionally, her bill SB 233, introduced last year, aims to expedite the transition to electric vehicles with bidirectional capabilities to power homes and support the electric grid.
Senator Nancy Skinner, representing the 9th Senate District, chairs the Senate Housing Committee and the California Legislative Women’s Caucus.