AB 32, California's landmark climate bill that allows them to regulate greenhouse gasses in their economy. It requires 25% reductions by the year 2020. And by 2050, it will reduce emissions to 80 percent below 1990.
California is the 12th largest emitter of carbon dioxide in the world; yet, AB 32 faced a serious challenge this election. Proposition 23 would have suspended AB 32 and abandoned the implementation of comprehensive greenhouse-gas-reduction programs.
ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability USA, a local government association addressing climate change and sustainability, issued the following statement from its Executive Director, Martin Chávez on the defeat of Proposition 23 in California.
“The path to a strong clean energy future and a green economy continues to run through the state of California after voters handed Proposition 23 an overwhelming defeat. With tonight’s decisive victory over the dirty tactics unleashed against AB 32, California will continue to be a model for clean energy innovation. Local governments across the state will move forward with their plans to create green jobs and foster important business developments through clean energy technology industries that are vital for future economic growth.
During a time of deep economic despair, AB 32 has been instrumental in generating new businesses, which have led to hundreds of thousands of new jobs in the clean energy industry. AB 32 has proven to be one of the few bright economic lights in a grim era marked by declining revenue, steep budget cuts, and a stalled economy. Despite a stubborn 12.6 unemployment rate, Californians remain committed to the environment and they voted for clean energy as the path to a strong economic recovery and a healthier future.”