California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is likely to say no to two bills, AB 14 and AB 64, that would require utilities to get 33 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020.

Schwarzenegger is objecting to a provision that would limit the amount of renewable energy that could be imported from out of state to no more than one-third. The governor sees it as anti-competitive and could end up saddling ratepayers with high electricity bills.

Supporters say the provision would ensure green jobs that will be created from the new mandate would locate largely in California.

Schwarzenegger does support the 33 percent mandate, and plans to issue an executive order to set the new 33 percent requirement. The governor also is looking at adding nuclear and hydroelectric power to the definition of "renewable energy."

Last November, he issued an executive order to compel the California Energy Commission and the Department of Fish and Game to work more closely on dealing with conflicts between solar power plant and transmission project developers and environmental groups. He signed the order to get rid of what he saw as hurdles for reaching the 33 percent goal.

California's existing mandate calls for 20 percent of renewable energy by 2010. The state's three majority utilities all have signed gigawatts worth contracts for solar, wind and other renewable power in order to fulfill the requirement. 

The California Air Resources Board also is working on regulation that would set the 33 percent requirement. Codifying the requirement via legislative action would make it tougher for opponents to challenge it in court.