California: Ahead of the Game

Ever the vanguard of environmental policy, California released a Climate Change Draft Scoping Plan this past June. Although too early to be deemed a success, the draft plan – the latest manifestation of the state’s Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 – sets GHG emissions reduction targets at 30 percent of current levels over the next 12 years.

Attending to both environmental and economic interests, the provisions and measures in the draft plan include technology innovation and improved environment and public health; growth and development of the clean-tech sector; and a proposal that utilities produce a third of their energy from renewable sources, and expand and strengthen existing energy-efficiency programs. California hopes to create thousands of jobs by supporting the green-tech sector.

Also included is a cap and trade program covering 85 percent of the state’s emissions (to be developed in accordance with the Western Climate Initiative), and a call for full implementation of the California Clean Car Law (the Pavley standards) and the Low Carbon Fuel Standard.

The Executive Summary of the draft plan is available for download.