infy HEADS UP: California (read: us) to reduce greenhouse gases
“This is by far the most significant step yet in California’s effort to fill the void in national climate policy.” She calls it “sweeping and unprecedented in its scope.” — Mary Nichols
the highlights:
- In the energy sector, the main plank in the program is requiring that 33 percent of California’s power grid be driven by renewable sources like wind and solar power.
- Implementing AB 32 will save $1.5 to $2.4 billion in public health costs
- California’s cap-and-trade program will be linked to other states in the Western Climate Initiative. The cap-and-trade program will begin with big industry and electricity generation in 2012.
The program also includes high speed light rail, an aggressive solar roof program, home energy efficiency programs, and public education encouraging citizens to work closer to home. So far, California is the only state to pass and draft near-term solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Looks like the ARB is writing Federal Energy Policy for ‘09. Don’t worry Obama, this one’s on us.