Similar to the Australian protesters' reaction to their carbon tax, there has also been strong opposition to a newly modified California law dealing with renewable energy.

California state governor, Jerry Brown, signed legislation on April 4, 2011 mandating that 33% of all the state's power come from renewable sources by 2020. Theses include sources like "solar panels, windmills, landfill gases, small hydroelectric plants and other renewable sources". The old goal was 20%.

"Critics of the legislation said sticking with traditional energy sources such as coal and natural gas would be cheaper, keeping costs down for business and residential ratepayers. Business groups point to estimates that the higher standard could drive up electricity costs for California ratepayers by more than 7 percent, despite language in the legislation to limit cost increases."

Carbon footprint legislation is in full swing all around the world, whether we want it, are ready for it or not. Climate scientists and experts agree on the fact that carbon dioxide has resulted in unprecedented climate change and that it is a direct result of human activity. There is now a global concerted effort to dramatically reduce harmful emissions. The top 2 drivers of carbon dioxide emissions are traditional power generation and agriculture operations. Today nearly 90% of the world's current energy comes from "dirty" industries like coal burning power plants, oil and gas, natural gas, and nuclear. Targets have been set and the race is on to rethink every logistical step in the supply chains of our products and services from cradle-to-grave.

New legislation also means increased demand for solutions that increase efficiency and reduce emissions.
Ray Wills of the Sustainable Energy Association of Australia "expects the renewable energy job market will be resurgent this year". In the US, companies like Demilec are experiencing increased growth by providing solutions that drastically improve energy efficiency in homes.

US Electricity Production 1990-2035

Sources:
http://tinyurl.com/3mta486
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_energy_consumption
http://www.eia.doe.gov/electricity/
http://tinyurl.com/436gutq
http://www.demilecusa.com/Default.aspx