California Air Regulators Seek Tougher GHG Rules

December 11, 2008

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California air regulators meet this week to consider the nation’s most sweeping plan to reduce GHG emissions. It’s the first time the state has committed to a plan to implement the Global Warming Solutions Act, which mandates that the state cut emissions by a third, or to 1990 levels, by 2020, AP reports (via the Mercury News).

The strategy chosen by the California Air Resource Board will create 31 new regulations affecting all aspects of life, from fuel to air conditioning. Advocates for the plan hope it will become a model for the U.S. and other countries.

The air board projects that once all the measures are in force, it would cost the state $25 billion in 2020, but that estimated savings of $40 billion that year will more than offset the costs.

In November, the air board announced its draft plan to tackle climate change. The plan includes allowing business to buy and sell emission credits and raising water fees to between $100 million and $500 million annually to name a few.

A poll conducted earlier this year found that the bill is popular until people learn how much it could end up costing them

On the other hand, some environmentalists are disappointed with California’s proposed carbon plans, noting that regulators have yet to devise any structure for their proposed cap and trade program.

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