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Green energy lifestyle
Choquette Marrow
Issue date: 9/19/07 Section: Opinion
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AB 118 is another bill running in the same vein as AB 32. Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez's AB 118 was passed by both houses and was sent to Gov. Schwarzenegger for signing Thursday just before the legislature adjourned for the year. Nunez also authored AB 32.
AB 118 targets greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. With 41 percent of California's emissions resulting from transportation, it is a key area to focus on. AB 118, if signed by the governor, would increase the annual fees auto owners pay by $11. There would also be smaller fee increases on obtaining special license plates and boat registrations.
The fee increases would rake in an average of $100 million annually. The funds would then be distributed evenly into two different programs. The first program would provide incentives for projects that worked to promote fuels and vehicles with lower carbon emissions. The other program would use its allotted funds to support the cultivation of clean, energy-efficient and renewable transportation technology through grants and revolving loans.
There was little debate in the 48-29 passing of the bill, but it did have its critics. A lot of people are looking for a silver bullet to the emissions and energy problems. The problem is finding the silver.
The road to 2020 and even 2050 emission reduction goals is going to be an uphill battle. In order to meet our goals, "there needs to be an energy revolution," said Dan Skopec, undersecretary for the California Environmental Protection Agency, to the Mercury News.
If an energy revolution is necessary, where else but in a state of tree huggers is that possible? We are a state rich in alternative lifestyles and thinking. Renewable energy today makes up approximately 11 percent of the states power, according to the California Energy Commission. That is one of the highest levels in the country.
However, that reputation could also hurt our chances of reaching emissions goals.
California's population has been expanding rapidly since day one. It is expected to increase by more than 40 percent by 2020. California is a large state with a very large population and high carbon-dioxide emissions.
According to the San Jose Mercury News, "if California were a nation, it would be the 16th-largest carbon-dioxide emitter in the world - producing more carbon than Australia, Saudi Arabia, or Spain."
In other words, the world is watching.
As Californians, we have the foundation to lead this fuel revolution. Massive change does not require proportional action by the revolutionary. If Californians changed only a few of their daily habits and invested in a few energy-saving items, a world of difference could be found.
We have all heard this sermon about taking public transit, carpooling, buying energy efficient appliances and double-paned windows.
Carpooling for Sac State students requires synchronizing schedules on a campus where you're lucky if you even get into two classes at the time you wanted. Energy efficient appliances or double-paned windows usually aren't at the top of the list when apartment hunting.
There are ways to reduce the carbon emissions that don't require much effort.
Try switching out light bulbs for energy efficient ones - the funny coil looking ones. Only a few can make a difference in your personal carbon emissions. Plus, they last longer.
Reduce, reuse and recycle. Everyone learns about it in school. There are recycling bins all over campus; big square garbage bins for paper and round ones for cans and bottles. They are all labeled.
Check the air in your tires. Air is free. If you have your tires pumped up to their appropriate level, you'll get better gas mileage, therefore reducing your emissions.
Don't believe me? Don't think you can make a difference? You can. See how by going to www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ind_calculator.html.
It's your world too. Treat it like it.
Choquette Marrow can be reached at cmarrow@statehornet.com.
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