California to Unveil Ambitious Plan to Cut Carbon Footprint
June 26, 2008
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California is set to release a new plan that will see the state drastically cut their carbon footprint. The plan will call for greenhouse gas emissions to be cut to 12% below their 1990 levels.
To reach the goal, the plan is relying on improved energy efficiency, lower emissions from vehicles, and by getting 33% of the state’s energy needs from renewable energy sources. Many parts of the state have already implemented measures to help cut their own carbon footprint, which will help contribute to the state wide goal. For example, San Francisco is set subsidize the cost of installing solar panels on roofs.
The biggest reductions will come from capping the carbon emissions of utility companies, industrial facilities, and other big businesses. However, the plan does not detail how these groups will pay for the changes, a particular concern for the utilities and auto makers, which account for the bulk of the carbon emissions.
The state will distribute permits that allow for a certain amount of carbon emissions, which can be bought and sold within California, and with seven other states and three Canadian provinces.
The plan does not detail how these permits will be distributed, a key aspect of implementing this plan and fighting global warming. The main options are to auction off the permits, however this will benefit companies that already have lower emissions, or to give them away, which would benefit companies that currently have higher carbon emissions.
The proposed plan by California to cut their carbon footprint is the most ambitious plan in America, especially after the Senate recently shot down a proposed climate change bill. With the lack of national leadership, states and cities are taking it upon themselves to cut their carbon footprint and fight global warming.
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