California aims to include health and environmental considerations, such as job creation and air quality, in future energy decisions to support meeting its zero-carbon electricity goal by 2045. In short:The unanimous vote introduces a method to evaluate "non-energy benefits" like health and job creation in energy resource decisions. This approach aims to favor clean energy projects, recognizing their broader social and environmental advantages. Advocates argue this will correct the oversight of social costs in traditional energy cost-benefit analyses, promoting equity and sustainability. As energy development pushes into vulnerable communities, communities are pushing back.

Source: New York Times March 15, 2024 12:50 UTC