Global warming-related emissions in California jumped a whopping 85%
between 1960 and 2001, according to a new analysis of federal data
released Tuesday by Environment California, which called for tough new
state laws to reduce the trend.
Increased
carbon dioxide emissions from cars, trucks and other vehicles were
responsible for 61% of the increase, the group found, and carbon
dioxide emissions from natural gas used for heating and to generate
electricity were responsible for the rest.
Using data compiled by the U.S. Department of Energy, the study
concluded that California emitted 198.8 million metric tons of carbon
dioxide in 1960. By 2001, the state's emissions had grown to 368.7
million metric tons.
California
ranked third in emissions behind Texas and Florida. But if emissions
from coal-fired power plants in other states, which provide about 20%
of the state's energy, were included, "we would be the No. 1 emitter by
far," said Dan Jacobson, legislative director for Environment
California, a San Francisco-based environmental group.
Jacobson
said the rate of greenhouse-gas emissions per capita has actually
slowed in the state, but because of millions of new residents, the
total amount has climbed sharply.
"From an environmental perspective, per capita doesn't really matter," he said.
"Melting
ice caps don't really care" if greenhouse gas emissions are produced by
one person or millions of people, Jacobson said.
Numerous scientific studies have concluded that global warming is occurring and that it is caused by human activity.
The
group called for mandatory reductions of greenhouse gases to bring the
amount down and swift enactment of Assembly Bill 32, which would
require caps on industry emissions. A Senate hearing on the bill,
sponsored by Speaker Fabian Nuñez and Assemblywoman Fran Pavley
(D-Agoura Hills), is set for next Tuesday.
"We know how to
control it," said Jacobson. "Eighty-five percent is dramatic; it shows
we have to take steps to get it more under control. This is where we
need elected officials to step in."
But the California Chamber
of Commerce on Tuesday issued a survey of its own, calling the bill one
of several "job killers" proposed by legislators.
The chamber
said the bill would only increase greenhouse-gas emissions in China,
India and other countries with less stringent emissions standards.
"We
think AB 32 is a lose-lose for California," said Allan Zaremberg, head
of the chamber. "It's going to cost us jobs because it will increase
the price of energy…. Companies are going to move jobs to developing
countries, where energy generation may actually increase carbon
emissions."
He said tax credits and other incentive programs
should be offered to help businesses convert to cleaner energy and stay
in California.
