Low Emission Vehicle Act
Summary: The Low Emission Vehicle Act adopts the California vehicle emission rules (commonly known as LEV II), which set a stricter standard than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Low Emission Vehicle (NLEV) standard.
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
This Act shall be called the “Low Emission Vehicle Act.”
SECTION 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE
(A) FINDINGS—The legislature finds that:
1. Air pollution from cars and trucks is dangerous to the health of [State] residents.
2. Motor vehicles are a major source of pollution in [State], and contribute to greenhouse gases that cause worldwide climate change.
3. Technology can significantly reduce dangerous emissions from motor vehicles.
(B) PURPOSE—This law is enacted to protect the health and safety of [State] residents.
SECTION 3. LOW EMISSION VEHICLES
After section XXX, the following new section XXX shall be inserted:
(A) The Department of [Environmental Protection] shall implement Phase II of the California Low Emission Vehicle program in this State beginning in the 2010 automobile model year. “Phase II of the California Low Emission Vehicle program” means the second phase of the low emission vehicle program implemented in California, pursuant to the requirements of the federal Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 7401 et seq.
(B) The Department of [Environmental Protection] shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to implement this section.
SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2007.
Global Warming Impact Assessment Commission Act
Summary: The Global Warming Impact Assessment Commission Act creates a commission to study the direct effects of global climate change on the state’s economy and natural resources.
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
This Act shall be called the “Global Warming Impact Assessment Commission Act.”
SECTION 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE
(A) FINDINGS—The legislature finds that:
1. Over the past 50 years, global temperatures have increased at the fastest rate in recorded history. It is well-accepted by scientists that human activities are responsible for this global warming.
2. Global warming causes damage of many kinds: wildfires, droughts, flooding and more destructive hurricanes.
3. If unchecked, global warming will create or worsen natural disasters within the state.
4. It is only prudent for the state to study and create a plan to mitigate negative effects of climate change, address economic impacts, and help save lives, protect public health, preserve natural resources, and protect valuable infrastructure.
(B) PURPOSE—This law is enacted to study the impact of global warming on the health, safety and welfare of state residents.
SECTION 3. STUDY TO ASSESS THE IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING
(A) ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION
1. There is established a [State] Global Warming Impact Assessment Commission.
2. The commission shall consist of 11 members as follows:
a. Two senators appointed by the President of the Senate.
b. Two representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
c. Seven public members appointed jointly by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives including at least one member with expertise in climatology, one member who is knowledgeable about [State’s] economy, one member who is knowledgeable in the area of land management or maintenance of natural resources, and one member who represents tourism industries.
3. The public members of the commission may receive compensation for per diem or reimbursement for travel or other expenses incurred in serving on the commission.
4. The House and Senate [Environmental Resources] Committees shall assign committee staff to provide support services for the commission.
5. As part of its study, the commission shall conduct a series of hearings around the state.
(B) NATURE OF THE STUDY—The study shall include:
1. An assessment of the current and potential effects of global warming trends on the citizens, natural resources, public health, and economy of the state.
2. An estimate of the costs to the state and its citizens of adverse effects associated with global warming.
3. An examination of measures that might prevent or mitigate the effects of flooding, erosion, drought or wildfires that might be caused or worsened by global warming.
4. Recommendations for laws and regulations that may be warranted to minimize the adverse impacts of global warming.
(C) REPORT—The commission shall report the results of this study, including any legislative proposals, to the governor and the legislature on or before January 1, 2008.
SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2007.