California Takes Next Step in War on Global Warming

For those of us in California who follow governmental action on climate change, the Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32) was a watershed moment. Signed by Gov. Schwarzenegger in 2006 (see photo at left), the bill established a comprehensive program of both regulatory and market-based mechanisms to achieve reductions in greenhouse gases of 30% by 2020. So we celebrated! And then, we waited. The next step depended on the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which was tasked with developing those regulations and mechanisms needed to actually achieve the reductions, called a Scoping Plan. Now, the wait is over (at least, THAT wait is over): CARB recently released its draft Scoping Plan, which is now open for public comment. The Plan includes a variety of measures that will touch every area of our economy. A few key points include:

Carbon: A cap and trade system will cover about 85% of the state’s emissions, and will eventually become part of the regional carbon market, the Wes...

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