And given the sheer scale of it ― California’s economy is now the world’s sixth largest ― the law could also serve as a model for global efforts to reduce emissions. State officials say California is now on course to reach a goal of reducing greenhouse gas pollution to 1990 levels in 2020, in line with the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006.
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“We once again raised the bar for the nation and the world to follow”, says Senate President Pro-Tem Kevin de León. Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills), who wrote AB32 as well as SB32.
Brown said that climate change exists, and being aware about the same California has made a decision to take action.
“In order for California to remain an economic and environmental leader, the state will need to also be a trailblazer on issues related to equity”, Garcia said. You’re putting into law real measures backed up by the real power of the state of California.
SB 32-established law has GHG decrease goals decided by the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, or AB 32, aimed to slash GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.
Brown has said the legislation could provide leverage to convince businesses to support an extension of cap-and-trade, which requires polluters to pay to offset carbon emissions. Last year, Brown’s plans appeared in the lurch when business-friendly Democrats backed by the oil industry defeated an earlier version of the Pavley’s climate bill.
The legislation is a priority for Brown.
Last month, state officials released disappointing results from an auction of carbon permits, but officials say they are still on track to meet emissions goals. “SB 32 and AB 197 are far-reaching moves that continue California on its path of vast innovation and environmental resilience”. It set a new goal.
The state has recently doubled down on its commitment to renewable energy, passing a bill in September of a year ago that mandates utilities in the state to provide 50 percent of their electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030.
Brown, a Democrat who has traveled the world promoting greenhouse-gas reduction efforts, issued an executive order previous year setting the new 2030 goal.
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AB 197 calls on the state to focus its pollution-reduction efforts on “disadvantaged” communities and to increase public oversight of climate programs. Lastly, A.B.197 will add two additional non-voting members from the legislature to CARB.
