| August 29, 2006 |  |
California Bill Marks National Turning Point in Fighting Global Warming
Statement by Jason Mark, California Director, Union of Concerned Scientists
"Landmark legislation to create the nation's first economy-wide cap on global warming emissions is inches from the finish line. The Governor and Legislature have reached final agreement on the details of the bill, which will be voted on within the next 24 hours in Sacramento.
"The legislation, Assembly Bill 32 (Nuñez/Pavley), is the country's most aggressive bill to curb global warming. It marks a national turning point in the fight against global warming and sends a strong signal to the international community that Americans are committed to climate action despite Washington's intransigence.
"As the world's twelfth largest source of carbon dioxide, the chief heat-trapping gas that causes global warming, California has a responsibility to act. As the sixth largest global economy, California's actions will reverberate around the globe as the state implements existing and new technologies to reduce emissions.
"Climate action can not only protect California from the most severe impacts of global warming, it can also boost the economy. The state's leading economists have estimated that meeting AB 32's emissions limits will boost the California economy by billions of dollars and create tens of thousands of jobs."
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.
