CARB announces draft plan for implementation of AB 32
In September 2006, California enacted the first major state initiative for reducing climate change or greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Commonly referred to as Assembly Bill 32 ("AB 32"), California's Global Warming Solutions Act sets a goal of reducing GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 – a reduction of about 25 percent – followed by a reduction of 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. On June 26, 2008, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) issued a "Climate Change Draft Scoping Plan," which details the concrete measures that it proposes to not only reach AB 32’s GHG emissions reduction goals, but also to drive innovation, support an emerging "cleantech" sector of the state's economy and create new jobs.
Workshops are planned throughout the state to present details to the public and for CARB to take public comments. The Board is expected to adopt the plan in November 2008, subject to public comments. Public comment will be critical because the measures and policies outlined in the plan will not only guide the implementing regulations, but will form the basis for significant enforcement action against companies who do not meet these aggressive standards.
Among many others, key elements of the plan are:
- A cap and trade program covering 85 percent of the state's emissions. This program will be developed in conjunction with the Western Climate Initiative, composed of seven states and three Canadian provinces, to create a regional carbon market.
- A proposal that utilities produce a third of their energy from renewable sources such as wind, solar and geothermal.
- Implementation of the California Clean Car law to provide a wide range of lower emitting and more efficient cars and trucks.
- Strong enforcement mechanisms.
Those seeking additional information and commentary on AB 32 and the draft plan may wish to review ClimateConnect’s “AB 32 101” page.
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