Emissions bill serves as springboard for other state initiatives

Contra Costa Times (from Sac Bee) ^ | Sep. 10, 2006 | Judy Lin

[calcowgirl]

Emboldened by the success of California's anti-global-warming initiative, environmentalists are now eyeing a bevy of other green bills they believe can help save the planet.

More than 20 high-priority bills are on their way to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's desk, including one on flex-fuel cars and one mandating cleaner power plants. There also are less-publicized bills such as one requiring most grocery stores to offer plastic bag recycling and one reducing the amount of water used in every toilet flush.

Although the governor is being applauded for striking a deal with Democratic leaders ... under the Global Warming Solutions Act [AB32], advocates say they are hoping he will support other sweeping changes in the name of air quality, clean water and public health.

From a companion bill to AB32 that tries to wean utilities off dirty coal consumption to a tax checkoff for sea otter research, each bill tries to promote conservation.

The governor already has signed one bill that completes his solar roof initiative. Senate Bill 1 directs the California Public Utilities Commission to fund an incentive program to reward consumers for installing solar energy systems.

Another bill on its way to his desk, Assembly Bill 2723, by Assemblywoman Fran Pavely, D-Agoura Hills, would set aside 10 percent of the funding from the solar initiative toward low-income projects every year.

Among the most contested environmental bills on his desk:

• Senate Bill 1368 by Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata, D-Oakland. Designed to be a companion bill to AB32, this bill seeks to curb coal consumption by directing the state's energy commission to set cleaner emissions standards for utilities.

• Assembly Bill 1012 by Assemblyman Joe Nation, D-San Rafael. Requires half of all new cars sold in the state to run on alternative fuels by 2020.

[NormsRevenge]

..each bill tries to promote conservation.

--

the intent is good in some instances, the implementation and reality not always so.

we need a downsizing of gubamint and not a continued proliferation of more misguided policy and bureaucracy trying to save us from ourselves.

[elkfersupper]

I guess it's a "success" because it will have no effect other than adverse, intended and unintended consequences.

[SierraWasp]

He's "pedal to the metal" with this GANG-GREEN goofyness!

Next thing you know, he'll be promoting bonding and borrowed money to institutionalize all this crappola for payola!!!