Global Warming Solutions Act Heads to Committee
Potential landmark legislation to implement the California Global Warming Solutions Act (AB32, signed into law in 2006) is pending in the California Legislature Assembly Appropriations Committee, following passage by the Senate in 2007.
SB375, introduced by Sen. Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento), is a significant effort to integrate land use planning and transportation to reduce the number of vehicle miles traveled and thereby reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Initially supported by the California League of Conservation Voters and the Natural Resources Defense Council, the bill has won support of the Planning and Conservation League, American Lung Association, and numerous other environmental and public interest groups. It has also predictably been opposed by the League of California Cities, groups representing contractors, developers, and a variety of other business and local government interests. Recently the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission voted to instruct its staff to work toward exempting any possible transportation tax measure placed before the County voters in November 2008 from the provisions of SB375.
According to the legislation's author, "current planning models used for transportation decisions and air quality planning must be improved to assess policy choices…(by) encouraging more compact development patterns, expanding transit service, creating walkable communities, and providing incentives. It is also necessary to achieve significant greenhouse gas reductions from changed land use patterns and improved transportation to meet AB32 standards."
SB375 requires the State Air Resources Board to provide by January 1, 2009, regional greenhouse gas reduction targets from automobiles and light trucks for 2020 and 2035, with regional updates until 2050. Also, some regional planning and transportation agencies would be required to prepare a "sustainable communities strategy" to achieve the targets through alternative development patterns or additional transportation measures. Other provisions would affect the environmental review process for specified projects.
SB375 is lengthy and complex legislation, and has already been significantly amended in the Senate. It is certain to spark strong debate as it proceeds in the Assembly. Some observers have called it the top environmental priority for the coming legislative session, as a critical component of the state's effort to reduce global warming. As of this writing, no hearing dates have been set for SB375.
For more information and updates, call John Laird's office at 831-425-1503, or visit www.leginfo.ca.gov.