Global Warming Bills In California
One of the things I like about living in California is not only the fact that it is pretty much a Blue State, but also a Blue State that has been a leader when it comes to environmental issues. Think of the 2002 bill that requires the automakers to increase Emissions Standard in all future cars for sale in the State—the very one that the American automakers are going to court to prevent from taking effect. This from the group of people who could have ushered in a paradigm shift in automotive innovation by pushing for mass deployment of electric cars and other alternative-fuel vehicles, giving America an edge in the industry. My almost non-existent (a paradox, really) California-beach-bum inner self would just like to say: Whatever, dude!
Today, two bills, AB 32 and SB 1368, are going to the govah-nah’s desk for signing. AB 32 essentially puts into motion the capping of CO2 emissions from industries. From the Los Angeles Times:
The other bill, SB 1368, will bar California electricity providers from entering into long-term contracts with power generators - including out-of-state companies - that pollute the air while producing energy.
This is a step in the right direction, especially after the Bush administration took us out of the Kyoto Treaty, as well as leaving it up to industries to self-regulate when it comes to emissions.
I know words like “green” and “environmentalism” are likened by some as almost the same as forced-feeding, but I still cannot understand those who attempt to politicize issues like clean air and protecting the Earth. I guess for some quality living and the assurance of there being a planet to actually live on is blinded by which side of the political line they situate themselves.
I have to admit that I am not doing as much as I can personally. Being in Southern California, I still need to take my aging Civic to more places than I wish. During my time in San Francisco, the nice thing was that I never needed the car, and was able to use a very functional public transportation system. But I think with such leaderships from the State, as well as on a more local level, we can begin to make major shifts in how we deal with the issue.
State on Verge of Greenhouse Gas Restrictions
Emissions For Sale
The OTHER Global Warming Bill - SB 1368
Today, two bills, AB 32 and SB 1368, are going to the govah-nah’s desk for signing. AB 32 essentially puts into motion the capping of CO2 emissions from industries. From the Los Angeles Times:
The latest bill authorizes the California Air Resources Board to begin a process of measuring the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases coming from every major pollution source, including electric power plants, oil refineries and cement kilns.
Once a tally is taken, regulators would set limits for each facility and industry that would take effect beginning in 2012. Emissions would be reduced gradually, dropping to 1990 levels in eight years.
The other bill, SB 1368, will bar California electricity providers from entering into long-term contracts with power generators - including out-of-state companies - that pollute the air while producing energy.
This is a step in the right direction, especially after the Bush administration took us out of the Kyoto Treaty, as well as leaving it up to industries to self-regulate when it comes to emissions.
I know words like “green” and “environmentalism” are likened by some as almost the same as forced-feeding, but I still cannot understand those who attempt to politicize issues like clean air and protecting the Earth. I guess for some quality living and the assurance of there being a planet to actually live on is blinded by which side of the political line they situate themselves.
I have to admit that I am not doing as much as I can personally. Being in Southern California, I still need to take my aging Civic to more places than I wish. During my time in San Francisco, the nice thing was that I never needed the car, and was able to use a very functional public transportation system. But I think with such leaderships from the State, as well as on a more local level, we can begin to make major shifts in how we deal with the issue.
State on Verge of Greenhouse Gas Restrictions
Emissions For Sale
The OTHER Global Warming Bill - SB 1368
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