California green policies aid economy, says UC Berkeley study

Contrary to the fears of opponents, California's policies seeking to increase energy efficiency and fight global warming are actually good for the economy, according to a new study.

David Roland-Holst writes for the University of California, Berkeley's Center for Energy, Resources and Economic Stability that based on past state policies and practices, implementing California's historic "Global Warming Solutions Act" -- also known as AB 32 -- would create as many as 403,000 new jobs, boost household incomes statewide by as much as $48 billion and increase the Gross State Product by $76 billion.

Looking ahead, California’s ambitious plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as mandated by the California Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32) puts the state on a more stable economic path by encouraging even greater investment in energy saving innovation.

The California Air Resources Board is on track to consider and possibly adopt an implementation plan for AB 32 in December.


Read the full report in PDF form here.

Efforts against global warming feeling heat

The United States' economic crisis, spreading internationally, is threatening efforts to address global warming.

An anticipated cap-and-trade system on greenhouse-gas emissions may have to be significantly altered and could even be abandoned altogether, according to the Associated Press:

Democrats in both the House and Senate have unveiled draft climate bills. But their supporters acknowledge that the bills may have to be changed, given the economic situation. For example, a proposal to auction off emission permits — a source of money to help refocus the nation's use of energy away from fossil fuels — may have to be abandoned with permits distributed for free.

But some Republicans argue the whole idea of a climate bill ought to be scrapped for the time being. Limits of carbon dioxide would increase energy costs and lead the country "off the economic cliff," said Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas.

More on this story here.