As per the bills, SB 32 and AB 197, the state has to slash emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and spend money in the sectors hardest affected by climate change. It amends the 2006 California Global Warming Solutions Act that that requires the state to reduce statewide emission levels to at least 1990 levels by 2020.
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The new measure sets a new goal of reducing emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030.
California’s governor said the state now leads in the effort as it represents about 1 percent of the total world greenhouse gas emissions.
Legislative leaders passed the bill in August, with Democrats hailing it as a way to reduce the state’s carbon emissions and help make an impact on climate change. Jerry Brown on Thursday charted a new goal to further cut carbon pollution by extending and expanding the landmark climate change law.
But Republicans, particularly in oil-producing areas, say the state’s existing greenhouse gas reduction targets have already cost jobs and increased the cost of electricity.
“By supporting healthier cities and investments in cleaner sources of energy, we can reduce risky emissions, slow climate change, and most importantly save lives”, Laura Tuck, a vice president for sustainable development at the World Bank, said in a statement. Brown, who has traveled the world promoting greenhouse-gas reduction efforts, issued an executive order a year ago setting those goals.
Brown signed another bill, AB197, that gives lawmakers more oversight of regulators and provides aid to low-income or minority communities located near polluting facilities such as oil refineries and factories. The program requires companies to buy permits to release emissions into the atmosphere, creating a financial incentive to clean up operations. Lastly, A.B.197 will add two additional non-voting members from the legislature to the ARB.
California reduced emissions by imposing limits on the carbon content of gasoline and diesel fuel, promoting zero-emission electric vehicles, and introducing a cap-and-trade system for polluters.
From front left, California Senate President pro tempore Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, state Sen.
A second measure signed Thursday by the governor, AB 197, shifts the trajectory of the state’s environmental policies. Fran Pavley, D-Agoura Hills, Calif., California Gov.
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The legislation is likely to continue building Brown’s reputation as one of the country’s staunchest actors on climate-change legislation.
