Additional state and federal policy reforms beyond SB 375 are needed to achieve our vision for California. Particularly in the current economic downturn, it is essential that regions and local governments receive greater resources and policy tools. To provide these, dozens of efforts are now underway at the state and federal levels, many of which are spearheaded by ClimatePlan partners and allies.
AB 32
California’s AB 32 (the Global Warming Solutions Act) was passed into law in 2006. It commits the state to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 (a separate executive order calls for reducing emissions by 80% below 1990 levels by 2050). The law has sparked innovation and launched California to the forefront of the clean technology industry. It identifies greenhouse gas pollution reduction goals for different sectors. Implementation plans for each sector are being developed. For the land use and transportation sector, the passage of SB 375 provides the framework to achieve AB 32’s goals.
A proposition to repeal AB 32 (Proposition 23), primarily funded by large oil companies, was defeated in the November 2010 election. More voters voted against Prop 23 than voted for or against any other candidate or proposition on the ballot.
Strategic Growth Council
Over the next two decades, California will spend billions of dollars on infrastructure for our growing communities. The Strategic Growth Council was created in 2008 (by California’s SB 732, Steinberg) to align state infrastructure spending and other state activities to encourage smart growth, benefit disadvantaged communities, promote Health In All Policies and protect natural resources like air, water, and farmland.
The Strategic Growth Council will oversee the planning and urban greening grants under state bond Proposition 84, and has identified greenhouse gas reduction as a top priority for the planning grants. As of December 2010, the Strategic Growth Council has completed the first of three rounds of funding and already distributed millions of dollars to California cities and regions.
In December 2011, the SGC released a Draft Strategic Plan (pdf) to help guide the agency as it strives to fulfill its mission. Public comments are being accepted on the plan through January 3, 2011, and it is expected to be adopted at a public hearing on January 24th.
Click here for more info on the Strategic Growth Council.
Federal Transportation Reform – Transportation for America
California’s efforts to reduce air pollution from transportation will be even more successful if complementary policies are enacted at the federal level.
Transportation for America (T4 America) is the largest, most diverse coalition working on transportation reform today. Considering our nation’s transportation network is based on a policy that has not been significantly updated since the 1950’s, T4 America believes it is time for a bold new vision — transportation that guarantees our freedom to move however we choose and leads to a stronger economy, greater energy security, cleaner environment, and healthier America. The coalition is calling for more responsible investment of our federal tax dollars to create a safer, cleaner, smarter transportation system that works for everyone.
T4 America has formed a broad coalition of housing, business, environmental, public health, transportation, equitable development, and other organizations, all seeking to align national, state, and local transportation policies with an array of issues like economic opportunity, climate change, energy security, health, housing and community development.
Click here for more on the Transportation for America campaign
Los Angeles County’s 30/10 Program
The 30/10 Initiative would accelerate construction of 12 key transit projects of LA Metro. The projects were originally scheduled to be built over three decades, but the initiative is seeking funding for the projects to be completed in 10 years, thus providing much-needed transit service while creating jobs.
In 2008, LA County voters passed Measure R, authorizing a sales tax that will bring in $40 billion over 30 years. The 30/10 Initiative would borrow money now, via long-term bonds and a federal loan, to be repaid as those taxes flow in.
The initiative would generate hundreds of thousands of construction and other jobs to improve the local economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and ease traffic congestion. The sooner the projects can be built, the sooner they start clearing the air and serving people who live, work, or visit LA County.
Click here for more on Los Angeles’ 30/10 Initiative
