California's major initiatives for reducing climate change or greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are outlined in Assembly Bill 32 (signed into law in 2006); a 2005 Executive Order by the Governor; and, a regulation to reduce passenger car GHG emissions. These efforts aim at reducing GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 – a reduction of approximately 30 percent, and then an 80 percent reduction below 1990 levels by 2050. The main strategies for making these reductions are outlined in the Scoping Plan.
Empowered to oversee the broad regulatory approaches to this challenge, California’s Air Resources Board (ARB) sets the rules for every sector, including public transportation.
Find more information about the ARB’s climate change programs.
The legal framework for the ARB’s work is provided in AB 32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006.
Find more information about AB 32.
California recently passed a new law encouraging coordination of land-use and transportation planning, called SB 375 [Chapter 728, Statutes of 2008]. To comply with AB 32, metropolitan planning organizations must obtain ARB certification of their SB 375 plans. It is anticipated that these plans will likely contemplate an enhanced role for public transit in providing a cleaner mobility option.
Find more information about SB 375 and other local government programs.