California is getting cleaner while also growing its economy dramatically, according to findings in a new study.
The eighth annual California Green Innovation Index shows the state has grown its economy, as measured by gross domestic product, while being less carbon intensive.
California installed 3,266 megawatts of new photovoltaic solar arrays in 2015, more than any other state.
Since 1990, California has seen a 36 percent drop in emissions per GDP while growing the state’s economy, said Adam Fowler, research fellow at Beacon Economics, which conducted the study for Next 10.
“For years some people have argued that increased emissions and economic growth go hand in hand. California has de-coupled that relationship,” Fowler said.
California installed 3,266 megawatts of new photovoltaic solar arrays in 2015, more than any other state. That brings California’s photovoltaic total to 13,243 megawatts, also the highest of any state.
With 4,052 clean-technology patents in 2015, California leads all other states. It also leads in clean technology investment, solar installations and registrations of zero-emission vehicles.
“California leads every single state in every single category,” said Noel Perry, founder of Next 10.
Of the state’s 26 metropolitan areas, Sacramento inventors registered 125 clean-technology patents in 2015, ranking it the 5th highest metro area in patent innovation.
Sacramento ranks sixth in the state for clean-vehicle rebates.
“California is showing by example that you can grow an economy with lower carbon emissions,” Perry said.
Next 10 is an independent, nonpartisan nonprofit that commissions research about the economy and the environment.
The study intentionally looks at a variety of clean-technology indicators, rather than just focusing on one, Perry said. “We are not going to hit the state’s ambitious goals with just one type of innovation.”