California and South Australia Sign New Climate Partnership
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Contact: Press@ltg.ca.gov, (916) 445-8994
SACRAMENTO – Today, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis welcomed Premier Peter Malinauskas MP, and a delegation from the State of South Australia, to sign an historic letter of cooperation (LOC) to advance the states’ shared commitment to combatting climate change.
The LOC highlights several areas of climate collaboration between California and South Australia, both global leaders in climate action, to support the deployment of clean energy and energy storage and to foster the development of a clean, renewable hydrogen industry. Additionally, the states will share best practices on policies and actions to support the uptake of zero-emission vehicles and investing in charging and refueling infrastructure. View official copy of the Letter of Cooperation.
Both California and South Australia have been global leaders in advancing the clean energy transition. California, with its ambitious goal to achieve 100 percent clean electricity by 2045, stands at the forefront of renewable energy initiatives. Similarly, South Australia is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, propelled by its target of net 100 percent renewable electricity by 2027.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING:
Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis:
“Today’s landmark partnership between California and South Australia is another example of our unwavering commitment to combatting our climate crisis. Together, we acknowledge that the fight against climate change knows no borders. With a shared commitment to advancing renewable hydrogen and fostering clean energy solutions, this collaboration is another pivotal step towards a sustainable, clean energy future for generations to come.”
The Honorable Peter Malinauskas MP, Premier of South Australia:
“This is a significant step forward for our two states. It just makes sense that two global leaders in renewable energy like South Australia and California should work together to advance our shared interests in clean energy to advance our states’ economies and the world’s drive towards decarbonization.”
Chair Liane Randolph, California Air Resources Board:
“Climate action require collaboration and the sharing of successes and ideas, which is why the partnerships between South Australia and California is an important step in working toward cleaner air and healthier communities. Our shared commitment to solutions and to developing world-leading clean economies will strengthen our work on climate change.”
Commissioner Patty Monahan, California Energy Commission:
“The signing of the Letter of Cooperation shows how important combatting climate change is to both California and South Australia. I’m honored to witness this new partnership and look forward to collaborating with our South Australian partners to reach our ambitious clean energy goals.”
Tanya Bennett, Australian Consul-General in Los Angeles
“This commitment builds on the strong foundations of Australia’s landmark partnership of cooperation with California to accelerate climate action – and is a reflection of Australia’s significant progress to decarbonize its economy and drive the transition to net zero.”
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Eleni Kounalakis is the 50th lieutenant governor of California and the first woman elected to the position. From 2010 to 2013, Kounalakis served as President Obama’s Ambassador to the Republic of Hungary. In 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom designated Kounalakis as his Representative for International Affairs and Trade Development and as Chair of the corresponding Interagency Committee that oversees the state’s trade, investment and international relations. Kounalakis is also alternating Chair of the three-member State Lands Commission and a voting member of the University of California Board of Regents, the California State University Board of Trustees, and the California Community Colleges Board of Governors.