Global Warming News

Additional contact: Bernadette Del Chiaro - (916) 446-8062 ext. 103

The leadership of the California Legislature and Gov. Schwarzenegger have reached an agreement today on California’s historic global warming bill, AB 32 (Pavley/Nunez).

Joined at a press conference by co-author Asm. Fran Pavley, Senate Pro-Tem Don Perata, Environment California and other environmental organizations, Asm. Speaker Fabian Nunez announced that AB  32 – the Global Warming Solutions Act – would pass the Legislature tomorrow and be signed into law by Gov. Schwarzenegger.  The Governor’s office simultaneously issued a press release indicating the governor will sign the bill.

“California is now poised to lead the nation and the world in solving global warming,” said Global Warming Advocate Jason Barbose.  “The world has been watching, and the leaders of California have delivered.”

Once passed, AB 32 will:

· Cap global warming emissions at 1990 levels by 2020 (a 25 percent reduction);

· Establish a mandatory reporting program to the Air Resources Board (ARB) for significant greenhouse gas emissions;

· Requires ARB to adopt regulations for significant greenhouse gas emission sources (allowing ARB to design a cap and trade program) and gives ARB the authority to enforce the regulations beginning in 2012.

“For years the world has waited for the United States to take action on global warming,” continued Barbose.  “Today, California has stepped forward to be part of the solution in solving this global problem.”

See the front page story in the LA Times, "State on Verge of Greenhouse Gas Restrictions"