A state appeals court on Tuesday upheld California’s plan to combat global warming with a market-based cap-and-trade system to limit emissions of greenhouse gases, rejecting some environmental groups’ arguments that the rules are too weak and could worsen certain types of air pollution.
The state Air Resources Board, which adopted the plan in 2009, gave adequate reasons for rejecting alternatives such as binding limits on emissions and a tax on carbon-based fuels, said the First District Court of Appeal in San Francisco.
“It is not for this court to re-evaluate ARB’s judgment call,” which came after “knowledgeable input from industry, academia, environmental organizations, and members of the general public,” said Justice Stuart Pollak in the 3-0 ruling. He said the board can make future improvements based on “further research and experience.”
The board’s rules, scheduled to take effect next year, implement AB32, a first-in-the-nation law passed in 2006 that requires California to reduce by 2020 greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels.
Cap and trade sets industry-wide limits on emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases that scientists say are heating the planet. Businesses that exceed their limits can buy allowances from other companies and can also meet their obligations through environmentally friendly actions like planting trees.
Most environmental groups have backed the plan. But “environmental justice” organizations argue that the emission credits for tree-planting and for voluntary reductions in farm-related air pollutants are largely unenforceable and less effective than binding emission limits.
It’s not the environment, it’s money they are after.
Not far from now will be news of people planting carbon-credit trees at $1,000/tree etc.
who is going to pay when all the business has left California,
“It is not for this court to re-evaluate ARB’s judgment call,” which came after “knowledgeable input from industry, academia, environmental organizations, and members of the general public,” said Justice Stuart Pollak in the 3-0 ruling.
Are you f’ing kidding me????? They are about to institute a tax on the people of the State of California without the consent of the people. Just some “knowledgeabel input…blah blah blah.” And the court can’t stop it?? This has got to be stopped.
If it comes to it I will be counting every single tree,plant and bush on my property and planting more. This is F’gBS!
Better cut down your trees while you can. Only new trees will be eligible for payment.