AB 32’s Impact Over the Past Decade (11/7/16)

Major Groups of GHGs

AB 32 seeks to decrease the emissions of several major groups of GHGs, including:

1. Carbon Dioxide
2. Methane
3. Nitrous Oxide
4. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
5. Perfluorocarbons (PFCs)
6. Sulfur Hexafluoride
7. Nitrogen Trifluoride

The buildup of these gases has led to warmer temperatures across the globe, reduced snowpack at higher elevations, rising sea levels, poorer air quality, greater shifts in temperature and more severe weather events such as droughts and hurricanes.

Even with its impressive track record thus far, California has been able to avoid compromising the health of its improving economy. Reports show that the state is producing less emissions per unit of GDP, while still expanding its economy. However, it is still unclear if AB 32 is entirely responsible for the drop or if the increase in industries that are not carbon-heavy have played a role in curbing GHG emissions.

Cap-and-Trade Program

The Cap-and-Trade Program is one of the main initiatives created to help California achieve the goals of AB 32. It sets an emissions limit for companies that declines at roughly 3% annually from the time it was passed until 2020 to establish a price on carbon. This forces companies to rely on clean and innovative forms of energy production to remain competitive in the marketplace.