California and Carbon Emissions. (November 24, 2011)

The Winter (2011-2012) issue of the Union of Concern Scientists (UCS) Earthwise issue published the following short article: "More Climate Progress in California".

On October 20, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved the nation’s first program to place both a cap and a price on heat-trapping carbon emissions from multiple sectors of the economy. This precedent-setting program, often described as “cap-and-trade,” is part of a package of policies adopted under the state’s landmark Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32). The 2006 law aims to reduce California’s global warming pollution to 1990 levels by 2020—a reduction of nearly 25 percent compared with business-as-usual projections. The cap-and-trade program is expected to contribute about 20 percent of these reductions.

UCS has provided technical and policy guidance to CARB, administration officials, and others to help ensure that AB 32 is implemented aggressively, based on the best science available. We will also work with CARB to improve certain aspects of the program as it is implemented.

As the eighth-largest economy in the world, California provides a powerful model for other states and regions—and our leaders on Capitol Hill—to follow. We look forward to building on this progress and shaping similarly bold global warming solutions across the country.

Note added November 25, 2011:

Science DOI: 10.1126/science.1208365

The Technology Path to Deep Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cuts by 2050: The Pivotal Role of Electricity

James H. Williams, et al.