The California governor is 100% committed to clean energy

(Reuters) – California Governor Jerry Brown on Monday signed a bill calling on the state to buy electricity from carbon-free sources by 2045.

The law makes California the world's largest economy to commit 100% clean energy. Hawaii is the only other US state to have a similar goal.

"The importance of this measure is undeniable," said Mr. Brown at a signing ceremony in Sacramento, surrounded by lawmakers.

The law sends a message that California supports the Paris global agreement to fight climate change, he said. Trump has withdrawn from the deal last year, fearing that this will harm the US economy, making the US the only country to do so.

"We will respect the Paris agreement and we will continue on this path to move our economy to zero carbon emissions," said Brown.

Brown's signature came a few days before he organized a gathering of local, international and corporate leaders in San Francisco to highlight the urgency of tackling climate change.

California has repeatedly confronted the federal government's policies on climate change, immigration and other issues since Trump became president.

The bill has received strong support from environmental activists, renewable energy companies and public health groups. The main public services of the State, however, opposed this measure.

Utility Pacific Gas & Electric said the law could increase customer bills and make the network less reliable. "If it's not affordable, it's not sustainable," said Lynsey Paulo, a spokeswoman for the factory, in a statement sent by email.

The law on clean energy, known as the SB 100, was passed by parliament last month.

The law requires that utilities supply 60% renewable energy by the end of 2030, compared to 50% previously. By 2045, all state electricity will have to come from renewable sources or other non-carbon sources.

According to the California Energy Commission, 32% of California electricity sales were made in 2017 by renewable energy facilities.