Environmental Initiatives in California

Governor Schwarzenegger signed the Climate Action Initiative in June 2005. Its goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by setting the following targets:

• By 2010, reduce emissions to 2000 levels
• By 2020, reduce emissions to 1990 levels
• By 2050, reduce emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels

The Hydrogen Highway Initiative will grow the number of hydrogen fueling stations from the current number of 20 to 150-200 by 2010. By creating a network of hydrogen fuel stations throughout the state, policymakers are effectively creating demand for a viable alternative energy source, making hydrogen cars more efficient and more accessible to the average citizen.

To protect the environment from potentially dangerous substances, the Zero Waste California Act has been passed. Several items have been banned from being thrown away in the trash: fluorescent lamps and tubes, batteries, electronic devices, and mercury thermometers.

Another important program is the Child Environmental Health Program. Its goal is to protect children, who are particularly vulnerable, from environmental pollutants. The program regulates air quality, toxic substances at school, and pests in the environment.