The Air Down There.

Leave it to the State to the south to start making headlines before Oregon can. They have the celebrities, stem-cell research groups, and the most votes in the Electoral College. You'd think California had done it all. However, what was done yesterday may make not just one state, but all fifty a little closer to cleaner; and that's something I'm quite content with Oregon being second or third behind.

California passed legislature in its Democratically controlled Congress to decrease statewide carbon dioxide emissions by 25% by the year 2020. This bill, already agreed to be signed into law by Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, "... could establish controls on the largest industrial sectors, including utilities, oil refineries and cement plants." Furthermore, "The agreement imposes the most sweeping controls on carbon dioxide emissions in the nation."

It's a strong start even though it breaks down to a seemingly inconsequential 1.8% annual decrease in CO2 emissions from all sectors in the State. However, considering the areas of greatest emission are also the most populated, this small amount could prove to be larger than the number suggests.

The real win is not just the beginnings of cleaning up some of the most tainted air in the nation, (as shown on this map) but it paves the way for other States to work on their forms of legislation to improve air quality and curb gas emissions that lead to global warming.

This is especially important as the Federal Government and Bush Administration continues to view the issues around global warming and CO2 emissions as "voluntary actions by States, companies and individuals." Malarkey, Mr. President.