WHILE CALIFORNIA DREAMS: A Weekly Update on the Goings-on in Sacramento

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

Key Bills and Issues we’ve been following that made the grade or bit the dust this Week in Sacramento

By Hannah Beth Jackson

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: GLOBAL WARMING AND ITS PROGENY

Two bills of note here, although there are several working through the process to refine and implement the landmark Global Warming measure of 2006, AB32.

Accelerating availability of low-emissions vehicles: AB 493

This measure by Assemblymember Ira Ruskin, was beaten back by a massive effort of the Auto Dealers and Manufacturers---among the major obstacles in the effort to clean up the planet and protect against global warming, smog and air pollution in general. This bill would add a surcharge to the worst gas-guzzlers sold and use those funds to provide rebates for gas-sippers. A great idea, but too much money and pressure for the Reps (as always) and sadly, too much for enough of the Dems to come on board.

Creating a blueprint for sustainable and responsible future growth: SB 375

This measure by Senator Darrell Steinberg, calls upon the Department of Transportation to work regionally to create a blueprint for future growth that will protect environmentally sensitive areas and encourage, among other things, a workable transportation system, thus reducing emissions by reducing vehicle miles traveled.

With the state growing without logic or consideration for the environment and air quality or emissions, this is a rational step to try to gain some sanity in our state as it continues to grow.