By Debra Kahn, E&E News.

Former Energy Secretary Steven Chu also appeared at the forum and praised California's leadership, saying it should have a bigger seat at the table in international climate negotiations.

"It is a good thing that in Paris we're beginning to say, 'Don't look only at the central governments,'" he said. "Look what we're doing at the state level, the city level, that adds up to a national movement."

Chu also offered some constructive criticism, recommending that the state embrace renewable power from outside its borders.