Monday 29 August 2016

California updates emission reduction targets

A California bill has been passed to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40% of 1990 levels by 2030.

The legislation is an extension of the state's previous 2020 goals.

The State Senate voted 25-13 in support of the bill.

Supporters say the green rules have led to new jobs being created and resulted in billions of dollars of investment in California’s clean energy sector.

However, opponents argue that the strict targets have damaged jobs, particularly in oil industries. Senate Republican Leader of Bakersfield, Jean Fuller, said: "The changes it has brought to our economy are unforgivable."

California remains on track to meet its 2020 emissions goals, which aim to put emissions levels at 15% below what would be expected if no action was taken to reduce them.

While California’s emissions goals are on schedule, experts say  plans to get more electric vehicles on the road may not be so successful. An analysis from the Natural Resources Defense Council said the state may not meet its original target of seeing 1.5 million emission free vehicles on the roads by 2025.