Anti-Sprawl Bill Passes California Legislature, Next Stop is Governor's Desk

SACRAMENTO (September 2, 2008) – Saturday, the California State Senate passed Senate Bill 375, a bill designed to reduce global warming pollution through improved land use and transportation planning. The bill passed the state assembly on Monday August 25, by a 49-22 bipartisan vote. By sending this bill to Governor Schwarzenegger, the legislature is sending a strong message that it is determined to maintain California’s momentum to curb global warming pollution 30 percent by 2020. State Senator Darrell Steinberg, incoming president pro tem, introduced the bill, cosponsored by the California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV) and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), last year to provide local governments across the state with incentives to align smart growth and transportation planning. Steinberg’s leadership brought diverse constituencies together including builders, local governments, affordable housing advocates and the environmental community.

Following is a statement by Ann Notthoff, NRDC California Advocacy Director:
“We need to get Californians beyond being stuck in our cars, sitting in traffic. S.B. 375 will help get us moving again and cut global warming pollution at the same time. We look forward to working with the broad coalition that came together to support this bill to make sure it is implemented effectively and will urge Governor Schwarzenegger to sign S.B 375 into law.”

Following is a statement by Tom Adams, CLCV Board President:
“S.B. 375 is not just another example of California’s national environmental leadership. That the cradle of car culture is the first to tackle the global warming problem of long commutes is a watershed moment.”