Controlling and regulating tailpipe emissions of carbon gases can greatly reduce air pollution.
California has the fifth largest economy in the world and ranks twelfth in carbon pollution. In 2006, the state legislature passed AB 32- the Global Warming Solution Act- in an effort to curb statewide air pollution of which 60% was attributable to tailpipe emissions of carbon gases.
This bill outlines major policies the state should adopt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.
Since most of the air pollution is attributable to the burning of fossil fuels, i.e., gasoline, diesel and other bi-product fuels of refined oil, the primary issues for consideration are public health, clean energy sources and, of course, a protected environment. By addressing AB 32, we can accomplish two immediate outcomes: (1) reduction in our dependency on foreign sources of energy, and (2) promotion of clean air by reducing carbon gases through the use of renewable sources of clean energy.
Major policies that the state should adopt are ones that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, i.e., curb vehicle tailpipe emissions and regulate the burning of fossil fuels. Such environmental laws must include fuel efficiency of vehicles and industrial plants. Fuel-efficiency standards must be adhered to if we are to seriously reduce carbon dioxide emissions and combat foreign oil dependency and global warming. I support mandatory reporting of greenhouse gas emissions and enforceable limits on greenhouse gas pollution. Because, left unchecked, such effects will only escalate.
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