Calif. solar energy plan approved | CNET News.com

Calif. solar energy plan approved | CNET News.com:

"A $3.2 billion solar energy plan was approved in California on Thursday to create one of the country's largest such programs.

Under the 10-year plan, called the 'California Solar Initiative,' the life of current state subsidizes will be extended to provide 1 million residents and businesses with rooftop solar panels, or 3,000 megawatts of solar energy, across the state.

Supporters of the plan believe that it will save state residents as much as $2.9 billion in energy costs over the next 10 years, factoring in a traditional rise in electricity prices over that time. It will also mitigate the effects of global warming and create jobs for state residents, supporters say.

'Electricity generation is the single largest cause of global warming,' said Adam Browning, director of operations of the Vote Solar Initiative. 'It's critical that we take action to jumpstart the transition to clean, renewable energy.'"