It was California where smog laws were first enacted. Now it’s carbon dioxide laws. About time. Mark Martin reports in the San Francisco Chronicle:
California will become the first state in the country
to require industries to lower greenhouse gas emissions under a deal
struck Wednesday by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Democrats that could
dramatically reshape the state’s economy.After weeks of intense negotiations
between the administration and legislative leaders, and just a few
hours after Schwarzenegger threatened to veto the bill, Democrats and
the governor announced an agreement on legislation that sends the state
on a markedly different environmental path from the federal government.By 2020, when industries would have to
lower carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases by 25 percent, solar
panels, alternative fuels and electric cars could be commonplace,
according to advocates of the legislation.
The Governator does deserve some credit. He’s making himself look a lot greener than he is—and less a pawn of big business than he is—but let’s give him his due, for recognizing the problem and working with the legislature. Kudos also to Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez and Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata. Perata said, "The fact is that if we do not do something to stop carbon emissions in this world, we are going to see a diminution of the quality of life and, eventually, all life."
It’s a big step forward, a recognition that we are in a crisis, and carbon is the enemy. More states soon, I hope, and after the 2008 election, the federal government.
OK, time for a little celebratory Mommas and Poppas music (slightly modified). Strike up the band!
All the leaves are brown
And the sky is gray
I’ve been for a walk
On a summer’s dayIf I used no carbon
I could breathe today
California breathin’
On such a summer’s day(Climate is a-changin’)
On such a summer’s day
(California breathin’)
On such a summer’s day