California Adopts Sweeping Climate Plan, Calling It a National Model

California has adopted a sweeping plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels — about 15 percent lower than today’s levels — within 12 years, an ambitious effort that state officials say can be a blueprint for U.S. national policy. The plan, approved by the state’s Air Resources Board after 18 months of regulatory review and public hearings, would require that one-third of the state’s energy needs be met by solar, wind and other renewable sources by 2020. While critics warn the plan will impose additional burdens on California’s economy, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said the plan will help the state by by luring investment in its green technology sector, predicting it will “unleash the full force of California’s innovation and technology for a healthier planet.” The plan, which will be implemented over the next two years, imposes a cap on greenhouse gas emissions and includes rules that target all sectors of the economy, from automobiles to household appliances.