California Wears Halo in Carbon Study

Good news, California! Scoff as they may at our SUV and freeway culture, and although we live in one of the most populated states, California ranked quite low in the recent report from a nationwide planet-warming study on carbon footprints and revealed itself as a benchmark for things to come in the United States.

In spite of the large suburban sprawl and distant commutes characteristic of the state, distances traveled are actually worse in other states. Much credit can be given to California for its carbon-saving plans that include restrictive building codes and utility pricing regulation for energy conservation and to encourage healthier usage. Los Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco, and San Diego all ranked in the top 10 for national comparisons of small per-capita footprints.

The results of the study will be used to urge the federal government to put a price on the use of coal-fired electricity in an effort to establish renewable electricity standards, requiring that a set percentage of power be derived from such alternative sources as wind and solar. California's 20% is being considered for a boost to 33% by 2020. Another request of the federal government will be to end the favoring of highway building over mass transit with the suggestion that it reward utilities that practice conservation, as California has already instituted. Lastly, in the sprit of California's already-forged path, another recommendation from the national study is that all home sellers be required to disclose the energy costs of their homes over the past several years. With a shining halo, California has set the standard!