CALPIRG testifies in support of emission-reduction bill

Today CALPIRG testified in support of a bill to further accelerate California’s greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. If passed and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, it would require a 55% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2030, instead of the existing goal of 40%.

These emissions are not only warming the planet, but can also be extremely harmful to public health and safety. Air pollution from greenhouse gases can increase the risk of premature death, asthma attacks, cancer and other adverse health impacts. And methane, a common greenhouse gas used to heat and power homes, resulted in 229 serious gas leak incidents between 2010 and 2021 in California alone, with 92 resulting in fires and 24 in an explosion.

The bill now awaits votes from both the state Senate and Assembly.