California takes another step in fight against global warming
By: Associated Press - | ∞
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- California, with the strictest pollution laws in the nation, has taken another step in reducing its contribution to global warning.
The California Energy Commission on Wednesday imposed new rules that forbid municipal utilities, including the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, from signing new contracts with coal-fired power plants unless those plants find a way to pump their emissions underground.
"This will reduce greenhouse emissions throughout the Western states," said Claudia Chandler, a spokeswoman for the energy commission. "People have long been critical of California exporting its pollution. ... Now we are holding ourselves accountable."
California has largely phased out coal-fired generators within its borders. But the state still buys about 20 percent of its electricity from plants in other states.
Many of those contracts will expire over the next two decades.
David Nahai, president of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power board, said the agency supported the legislation. Under a mandate from Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, the board has increased the agency's renewable energy supply from wind farms and other sources from 3 percent to 8 percent since October 2005, he said.
"The utility is turning itself around," Nahai said.
The new rules may not prevent the construction of dozens of new Western coal-fired plants that are in the planning stages, but those plants would have to lower their emissions to sell power to California.
Environmental groups cheered the new restrictions.
"California is telling Wall Street and Main Street that it is time to switch sides and invest in clean energy exclusively," said Bernadette del Chiaro, director of clean energy issues for Environment California.
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Concerned-1 wrote on May 24, 2007 12:16 PM:Another half-baked solution from the glogal warming lobby, and the media is jumping on it like flies on honey. Bottom line, California rate payers, read that businesses, will be paying more for electricity. Meanwhile, coal burning plants will be burying toxic waste?
AW4cryinoutloud wrote on May 24, 2007 2:23 PM:This is great news, it will go a long way toward stopping the spewing of mercury into the enviroment. Coal burning has spread mercury through ALL the fish in ALL the oceans of the world. Added to that is the global warming. By increasing the cost of electricity in California we will be increasing the incentive to use solar and other clean sources of power.
Harold wrote on May 24, 2007 4:38 PM:Just visited your fine state approx 3 weeks ago. Lots of cars with only 1 person in them on the freeways, bus's and trains hardly any passengers. Smog in Valley was unbelievable when we came over the mountains from Barstow. If Californians are really serious about global warming, ditch the hummers I saw, ride in car pools, use the trains and commuters and use the city Bus's. Then the rest of america will really know your serious about doing something about global warming other then sound bites from Hollywood actors who are the biggest users of fossil fuels of all.
Aurelie wrote on Aug 9, 2007 11:55 AM:Go easy on the californians. These decisions were made like 4 months ago and you expect immediate changes?? Ask yourself how long it took you to do something about global warming? Not everyone is going to give 100 percent right now, these things take time so give them a little room before you start critisicing.
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