Popularized by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the term “Californication” actually refers to the surge of Californians migrating up the West Coast following the opening of a major highway. In this context, we’re hoping we can Californicate the state’s climate change and energy policies to the rest of the Union.

Since the 1970s, California has kept its per capita energy use at a level rate, using primarily energy efficiency programs. Over time and with minimal spending, the cost of electricity under the programs is 1.4 cents per kilowatt-hour. That’s an outstanding rate compared to traditional or even carbon-free energy sources.

I discuss California’s unique route in Chapter 7 of Hell and High Water. You can access the information from the California Energy Commission or this PowerPoint with graphics.

When our country gets serious about addressing climate change and energy dependence, we need active national attention and proliferation of California’s policies.

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A good op-ed on an important policy measure with bipartisan support. Quotable Quote:

The low carbon fuel standard differs significantly from President Bush’s proposal to indiscriminately expand “alternative fuels” without paying attention to their environmental consequences. His plan would likely bring us coal-based liquid fuels and more of today’s corn-based ethanol, but it does not provide the incentives and rules needed to transform these technologies so that they can compete in energy markets that take climate change seriously.