state climate policies
California's landmark Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32) requires close collaboration by the Air Resources Board, Public Utilities Commission, Energy Commission, and Independent System Operator to plan and implement the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in California back to 1990 levels by 2020. To help guide this process, CEERT developed a forecast of what success in this effort might look like in our "2020 Vision" analysis. We also sponsored a symposium of some of the world's leading climate scientists on how to improve on the climate targets in the Kyoto protocols.
Summary:
A lawsuit against CARB's proposed cap-and-trade program has slowed AB 32 implementation. CEERT will stay engaged and keep members aware of developments.
Recent Developments:
AB 32 Implementation
Despite the defeat of Proposition 23 last fall, the future form of the state's climate program remains somewhat uncertain at the moment. A lawsuit brought by the Association of Irritated Residents against the California Air Resources Board has slowed implementation and caused CARB to postpone tentative workshops on the treatment of imported electricity and other key issues until the suit is resolved. In late May, the trial court in the case issued a writ of mandate preventing CARB from moving forward on cap and trade. CARB is appealing the underlying ruling—which held that the Board failed to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act—but has completed its revised CEQA alternatives analysis detailing the same alternatives outlined in the 2008 play: (1) no-project alternative, (2) cap-and-trade, (3) source-specific reductions, (4) carbon fee or tax, and (5) a combination of the foregoing.
CARB will hold a workshop in mid-July, and now that it has completed its revised analysis, intends to release language for the 15-day rule process within the next several weeks. Among these changes should be language on the treatment of electricity imports and renewable energy credits, among other relevant issues. CEERT will stay engaged and keep members aware of the proposed language.
CEERT's Climate Workplan for the Coming Period
In light of the delays with CARB's implementation of the cap-and-trade program, and given the remaining uncertainty about the Governor's intentions for the cap-and-trade program, CEERT has committed to working on climate policy through the following issues:
- Complementary energy policies for AB 32: 33% RPS implementation; advocacy for faster, leaner natural gas plants and the phase-out of older, inefficient units; advocacy on energy efficiency programs and financing mechanisms, combined heat and power, solar water heating, and EE savings and performance disclosure in state buildings.
- Interagency coordination on key issues: measuring GHG emission reductions; CPUC rulemaking on GHG allowances.
- Advocacy for Southern California municipal utilities' improving efficiency, deploying renewable, and reducing fossil energy use.
- Advocacy for reducing short-lived pollutants: development of a statewide emissions inventory of short-lived pollutants; development of a statewide strategy to reduce methane; increased use of bio-methane from animal waste, landfills, and wastewater treatment plants; and development of incentives for DG technologies such as fuel cells and thermal oxidation.
- Work with regional partners and companies to create a regional dialogue on: improved coordination and resource-sharing between and among balancing area authorities; the benefits of geographic diversity of renewable development; and clean technology economic development.
