California Air Resources Board approves plan to meet California’s bold climate and air quality goals

[Source: California Air Resources Board] 2017 Scoping Plan details how state will slash climate-changing gases. Building on the state’s success in decarbonizing its economy, the California Air Resources Board today approved a bold plan to accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions over the coming decade while improving air quality and public health, investing in Read More…

State high court says regional entity has discretion in environmental analysis

[Source: CalChamber] In a narrowly drafted ruling, the California Supreme Court upheld a regional government body’s discretion regarding the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions analysis it included in the environmental impact report (EIR) under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for its regional transportation plan. While the court emphasized that its decision was “not a general Read More…

Good intentions: why environmental awareness doesn’t lead to green behavior

[Source: Earl J. Ritchie/UH Energy] Polls consistently show a high level of environmental awareness in the U.S. However, awareness frequently does not translate into action. Use of mass transit has shown almost no per capita growth despite substantial investment in light rail and other transit improvements. Carpooling has declined. The use of environmentally friendly technologies Read More…

CARB approves cap-and-trade improvements

[Source: California Air Resources Board] Following more than 18 months of review and public comment, the California Air Resources Board today approved amendments to the state’s cap-and-trade program that improve its implementation and the state’s effort to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Today’s amendments also establish a framework for the program’s annual limits on greenhouse gas Read More…

Legislature approves cap-and-trade extension

[Source: CalChamber] With strong support from the California Chamber of Commerce and the business community, the Legislature yesterday approved AB 398 (E. Garcia; D-Coachella), which will extend the cap-and-trade program, which provides the least costly path to achieving the state’s ambitious climate goals. “The Legislature achieved a bipartisan solution that will reduce the cost of Read More…