AB 32 Makes Sense for the Average American

As oil and gas prices continue to rise, talk of alternative energy sources is making its way to the forefront. Being “environmentally friendly” is no longer reserved for the out-there environmentalist; it now makes economic sense for the average American. Signs of global warming and climate change are now becoming more apparent and people are demanding a change in governmental policy to address these changes. In 2006, Governor Schwarzenegger and California responded to that demand with AB 32. However, few Californians are clear on what this bill entails and what it will mean for them. So here is a little clarification on AB 32 and how it will affect each and every one of us.

What is AB 32?

AB 32, also called the Global Warming Solutions Act, is a bill that was signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger in August of 2006. The goal of this bill is to allow California to comply, almost completely, with the Kyoto Protocol in reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. The bill calls for a significant reduction in California’s greenhouse gas emissions over the next 40 years. It states that by 2020 we need to be back to 1990 levels, which amounts to a 25-30% reduction based on business as usual calculations, and by 2050 we need to be 80% below 1990 emissions.

What are greenhouse gases?

Greenhouse gases in AB 32 are defined the same way that they are defined in the Kyoto Protocol. They include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). Not surprisingly, the transportation sector accounts for the largest emissions of greenhouse gases, approximately 38% between 2002-2004.

What does that mean for you?

As the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the California EPA strive to meet the strict standards of AB 32, you can expect to see some changes. Already we have seen a push toward the development of clean energy, which will only continue to increase over the next few years. CARB also expects this push to foster economic growth within our state as well, meaning the potential for more “green” jobs.

But perhaps the largest change will be public health, the primary concern of BREATHE LA. The immense reduction in greenhouse gas emissions could have a profoundly positive effect on public health and those who suffer from air quality related health issues, such as asthma. Without these reductions, the effects and changes in our environment would continue to compound, including a projected 70 more extreme heat days/year and twice the drought years for our state. Imagine what you would see in our skies then given that the harmful smog that stifles our breathing is a direct result of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere being acted upon by heat and sunlight which then change to form smog. By reducing the amount of greenhouse gases put into our atmosphere, we can reduce the “greenhouse” effect and keep our temperatures a bit cooler, which will also reduce the amount of smog in our environment. Good news for this generation and those to come!

--Jess Niven Kohring, Environmental Programs Coordinator