The California Air Resources Board announced its support of the North America 2050 climate initiative, which facilitates state and provincial efforts to design, promote and implement cost-effective policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create economic opportunities.
“We have high hopes that this effort will enable our state and provincial partners to join us in taking comprehensive action that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and creates economic opportunities,” says CARB Chairman Mary Nichols. “Whether through adopting California’s Advanced Clean Cars program, or implementing a Low Carbon Fuel Standard, or requiring energy efficiency audits for major industrial polluters, or requiring electrical utilities to serve their customers with renewable energy, there are many opportunities for states and provinces to take real, measurable steps to cut carbon emissions and reduce petroleum dependency.”
Nichols says California is continuing to work through the Western Climate Initiative to put in place a comprehensive cap-and-trade program. “After several years of study and deliberation, the National Academy of Sciences recommended pricing carbon emissions to drive major investments in energy efficiency and low-carbon technologies as part of a comprehensive strategy,” she says. “We are confident that the successful track record and economic benefits of cap-and-trade programs will encourage additional states and provinces to join us in leading the clean energy economy.”
