The Legislature finds and declares that it is the policy of this State to:
1. Encourage and accelerate the development of new renewable energy projects for the economic, health and environmental benefits provided to the people of this State;
2. Become a leading producer and consumer of clean and renewable energy, with a goal of achieving by 2050 an amount of energy production from zero carbon dioxide emission resources equal to the total amount of electricity sold by providers of electric service in this State; and
3. Ensure that the benefits of the increased use of portfolio energy systems and energy efficiency measures are received by the residents of this State. Such benefits include, without limitation, improved air quality, reduced water use, a more diverse portfolio of resources for generating electricity, reduced fossil fuel consumption and more stable rates for retail customers of electric service.