June 5, 2015

California Passes Sweeping Climate Change Legislation

The California Senate passed a package of bills this week to address climate change, legislation that includes a plan to reduce gasoline use on California's roads by 50 percent, increase energy efficiency by 50 percent, and have 50 percent of California's electricity come from renewable sources, such as wind and solar.
The 12 bills also include measures to direct cap and trade funds toward public transportation infrastructure, extend the emissions reduction target to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050, and divest California's public pensions from coal.

"This package of bills represents the most far-reaching effort to fight climate change in the history of our nation," Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León said in a statement. "These bills put California on path to sustainable economic growth, while also protecting the health of our communities."