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California's Global Warming Policy

California produces more than 6 percent of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the United States. The state has several global warming policies in place. In June 2010, the Climate Action Team (CAT) established policies to commit California's government agencies to lead the way in reducing GHG emissions. Many of the timelines in the CAT policies were part of California's Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32).

  1. Plan and Develop

    • Government agencies in California must study sources of GHG, direct and indirect, in their operations and consider which ones to slate for reduction. The agencies are to find and adopt sustainable business practices that can then be passed on to California businesses. Their plan must be flexible, but it must also reduce emissions by 30 percent by 2020. They must also create a reporting protocol so that a statewide inventory can be maintained on state projects.

    Review and Implement

    • Each of the agencies must review past laws, regulations, policies and procedures to determine what effect they may have on the agency's GHG reduction. The agencies are required to implement green building executive orders and reduce their buildings' electricity use by 20 percent by 2015. They must also implement the Information Technology Executive Order and reduce equipment energy consumption by 30 percent by 2012.

    Green Vehicle Policy

    • The June 2010 policies required government agencies to improve the efficiencies of the vehicles in their fleets. They must also use their vehicles more efficiently through measures such as reducing employee travel and looking for resources and infrastructure that would help accomplish this goal. They may also consider measures to reduce employee commuting through measures like telecommuting.

    Green Building Policy

    • The state government must improve the performance of its buildings and offices by pursuing "greener lease terms." They must also specify their green requirements for any future building leases. Agencies will be required to participate in the state's energy performance rating programs, which are for state-owned buildings. Green buildings use energy sources, such as wind and solar, which do not contribute as much to GHG emissions.

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