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For decades, California has been almost as conscious of energy as it has been of style, creating innovative efficiency and pollution-cutting policies that are imitated across the country. In 2006, the Golden State once again set a new standard by becoming the first state in the nation to set concrete limits on statewide global warming pollution. The new law sets enforceable limits on greenhouse gas emissions, with a goal of cutting the state's pollution 25 percent by 2020.

The state of California, compared to entire nations, is the 12th largest emitter of global warming pollution in the world. Putting a lid on California's pollution could therefore have a real impact on curbing global warming. And it could also provide a boost to California's economy. California currently sends $30 billion out of the state every year to buy fossil fuels, which are the primary source of global warming pollution. The pollution limits in California's global warming law will curb spending on imported energy and spur the development of clean technology -- giving California a competitive advantage in this nascent high-tech industry. Independent studies have shown that the law would bring tens of thousands of new jobs to the state and save California families and businesses billions of dollars.

California's energy and environmental policies are often bellwethers for the nation. In 2002, California was the first state to limit global warming pollution from cars. Today, ten other states and Canada -- a third of the North American car market -- have adopted California's standards. In 2004, California upgraded its efficiency standards for household appliances; the same standards were adopted by the federal government in 2005. Other states have pledged to curb their global warming emissions, but California is the first to take decisive action, once again setting a model for the nation to follow.

last revised 11/7/2006