Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32)
Update on AB 32: California Air Resources Board Approves Proposal for Implementing State Global Warming Law
On December 11, 2008, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) approved the Scoping Plan for implementing A.B. 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. The plan outlines a combination of existing, strengthened, and new policies and programs to cut California’s greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. These measures include expanded energy efficiency programs and higher efficiency standards, a revised Renewable Portfolio Standard that requires 33 percent of electricity to be generated from renewable sources by 2020, and several measures to decrease emissions from transportation. Among the transportation-related measures are the implementation of existing and updated light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas standards, the development of local greenhouse gas targets to be achieved through land use and transportation planning, and the creation of a low-carbon fuel standard. The plan also recommends a statewide cap-and-trade program covering 85 percent of greenhouse gas emissions that would link with the Western Climate Initiative.
Rules and policies to implement the Scoping Plan will be developed and implemented by 2012. The plan will be updated by the ARB once every five years.
Press Release
Scoping Plan
Update on AB 32: California Air Resources Board Releases Proposal for Implementing Global Warming Law
On October 15, 2008, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) released a final Proposed Scoping Plan for implementing A.B. 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. The Scoping Plan provides recommendations for reducing the state’s greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. Key elements of the plan include expanded energy efficiency programs and higher efficiency standards, increased use of renewable energy sources, the creation of a California cap-and-trade program that can be integrated with the Western Climate Initiative cap-and-trade program, and efforts to decrease transportation-related emissions.
The document builds on a draft plan, released in June 2008, and incorporates public and stakeholder input. While modifications to the final proposal were minimal, important changes include more aggressive transportation-related emissions targets, detailed recommendations for a cap-and-trade program covering 85 percent of California’s emissions by 2020, and a focus on the health, economic, and job-related benefits of climate action. The plan was created by the ARB in collaboration with the state’s Climate Action Team. Members of the ARB will vote on the Proposed Scoping Plan in December, and measures will be developed and implemented by 2012.
Press Release
Proposed Scoping Plan
Update on AB 32: California Market Advisory Committee Releases Final Report
On June 29, 2007, California’s Market Advisory Committee (MAC) released its final report and recommendations for the design of a greenhouse gas cap and trade system in the state. The report addresses the major questions and challenges involved in program design. The California Air Resources Board will ultimately decide whether and how to implement a market-based system as part of the state’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gases under AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act. The 14-member Committee was formed in December 2006 to support the state with implementation of AB 32. Among its members is Judi Greenwald, Director of Innovative Solutions for the Pew Center on Global Climate Change. Josh Bushinsky, Western Policy Coordinator for the Pew Center, serves on the staff to the committee.
Press Release (pdf)
Read the Market Advisory Committee Report (pdf)
Background on the Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32)
On September 27, 2006, Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act. The Act caps California’s greenhouse gas emissions at 1990 levels by 2020. This legislation represents the first enforceable state-wide program in the U.S. to cap all GHG emissions from major industries that includes penalties for non-compliance. It requires the State Air Resources Board to establish a program for statewide greenhouse gas emissions reporting and to monitor and enforce compliance with this program. The Act authorizes the state board to adopt market-based compliance mechanisms including cap-and-trade, and allows a one-year extension of the targets under extraordinary circumstances.
Statement by Eileen Claussen, President, Pew Center on Global Climate Change:
"California has achieved the right balance, the goals they have established are reasonable enough to meet, and ambitious enough to spur innovation. This is a big deal and a beautiful example of leadership and bi-partisanship at work."
Governor Schwarzenegger's Press Release
Read the Legislation
Statement from PG&E on AB 32
Find out what's being done in other states to combat climate change