Conservation Groups Say California Climate Land-Use Bill Needed to Achieve Pollution Reduction Targets of Global Warming Solutions Act

Statements on S.B. 375 by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV)
SACRAMENTO
(August 6, 2008) – State lawmakers announced a breakthrough agreement in negotiations over a landmark bill to reduce global warming pollution through better land-use planning. Senate Bill 375 by Sen. Darrell Steinberg would give local governments incentives to build more compact neighborhoods and provide more transportation alternatives. The bill is sponsored by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV).
 
Following is a statement by Ann Notthoff, NRDC California Advocacy Director:
 
“This is the missing piece in California’s historic effort to reduce global warming pollution. If passed and signed into law, S.B. 375 will slow the insidious growth in miles driven by California drivers, which threatens to overwhelm our other efforts to reduce emissions of heat-trapping pollution. It will result in better-designed communities with less spread out development where people don’t need to drive so much. Consumers will also save money by having transportation alternatives during this era of rising gas prices.”
 
Following is a statement by Tom Adams, CLCV President:
 

SB 375
is a top priority for us, and Senator Steinberg deserves tremendous credit for his work to enact it.
This is the first bill in the United States to align housing policy, transportation funding and climate policy. The bill does this by promoting development patterns that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by increasing housing choices, reducing commute distances and reducing congestion.”