California to Curb Greenhouse Gases
by Armando Duke
Houston, TX - Members of the California state assembly introduced
measures to curb carbon dioxide and other gas emissions by 25
percent, or 145 million tons, by 2020. The move to cut
greenhouse gas emissions is the first of any state in the
country.
Calif. Democratic members, Fabian Nunez and Fran Pavley,
introduced the bill to the state Assembly. The politicians
say that the stiff restrictions of the greenhouse gas bill
are meant to induce investment in newer technologies that
can cut emissions as well as setting an example for other
states to follow.
A report had been introduced to Governor Schwarzenegger by
a team of environmental advisors that recommended a number
of clean-air programs. It stated that the target set
in Nunez and Pavley's greenhouse gas bill should coincide
with their report and asked that other western states
should mirror California's objectives in reducing
greenhouse gas emissions.
At a press conference Monday where Nunez outlined the bill
he was quoted as saying, This bill is not just about the
future, it's about the impact that it's already having
on our public health. It's about the impact that it's
already having on our planet, our natural resources."
The environmentalists report introduced to Gov. Schwarzenegger
called for mandatory reporting of emissions by the highest
polluting industries, such as oil & gas, power generation
and even cement manufacturers.
The 1,300-page report on the plan includes more than 50
strategies for cutting carbon dioxide emissions.
Many state legislators outwardly endorsed the plan, even
before fully understanding its details, though the plan
was backed by the Governor's administration so it is
likely that some form of the plan will end up being
passed into law.
One idea has already been introduced where emission credits
could be traded with other businesses to provide some
flexibility in meeting greenhouse gas requirements.
Another consideration was a state imposed surcharge
on gasoline to help pay for research into producing
cleaner fuels.
Just last year Gov. Schwarzenegger became outspoken on
environmental pollution, touting the hydrogen fuel vehicles
as well as calling for curbs on gases emitted from cars,
power plans and other industrial sources.
Although Gov. Schwarzenegger ordered the plan outlined
on Monday to be drawn and his administration did oversee
its drafting, the governor has not said if he backs any
of the specific recommendations.
Next week Gov. Schwarzenegger plans to convene a summit
in San Francisco of scientists, environmentalists and
business leaders to consider the options. He is expected
to comment on the plan at that time.
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