California has long led the nation in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A law approved in 2006 still provides direction for the state’s efforts.
The California Air Resources Board recently released a plan to achieve carbon neutrality in the state by 2045. The scoping plan, mandated by AB 32, California’s landmark climate change law approved in 2006, describes the path by which the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030 and 85 percent by 2045.
“By 2045, the plan envisions a thirty-fivefold increase in zero-emission vehicles and four times the amount of power generation from wind and solar energy — an increase that would avoid the need for new natural gas-burning power plants, officials say. The plan also anticipates that consumer demand for petroleum and natural gas will drop 86% in the next 23 years,” writes Tony Briscoe in an article for the Los Angeles Times.
As noted by Briscoe, the scoping plan is non-binding, so “It will be incumbent on lawmakers and government agencies to pass legislation, establish regulations and earmark funding for climate initiatives that achieve these targets.”
“And the state will need the cooperation of private industry and Californians.”
More specifics from the scoping plan are included in the article below.
FULL STORY: California unveils plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2045
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