Energy Policy
Why Berkeley? Berkeley is world renowned for its intellectual capital and long history of cultural diversity, and progressiveness.
In Berkeley anything is possible.
This is the attitude that has allowed us to pioneer and champion some of the most progressive ideas that are mainstream today.
The most urgent issue of our time is global warming.
FACT: California's population - now 38 million - is projected to grow to 46 million by 2030, the equivalent of adding eight new San Franciscos to the state. More people means more cars, and more cars means more miles driven, and that growth threatens to erode the progress of all other vehicle-related global warming reduction measures ARB is currently developing.
FACT: Passenger vehicles are the largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions in California, accounting for 30 percent of the total.
Steven Chu
The Energy Problem: What the Helios Project Can Do About It
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLr4YbStc0M&feature=channel
Arun Majumdar
Buildings That Think Green
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G312aLbgGbE
The Berkeley Chamber urges you to get involved and support our city as it responds to environmental legislation:
SB375 is the nation's first law to control greenhouse gas emissions by curbing sprawl. SB 375 provides emissions-reducing goals for which regions can plan, integrates disjointed planning activities, and provides incentives for local governments and developers to follow new conscientiously-planned growth patterns. SB 375 enhances the Air Resources Board's (ARB) ability to reach AB 32 goals.
It will also mean a higher quality of life. SB 375 provides incentives for creating attractive, walkable, sustainable communities and revitalizing existing ones. It will also encourage the development of more alternative transportation options. By doing so, this law will promote healthy lifestyles and reduce traffic congestion so Californians can spend less time on the road.
AB32 – requires the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to develop regulations and market mechanisms that will ultimately reduce California's greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2020. Mandatory caps will begin in 2012 for significant sources and ratchet down to meet the 2020 goals.
MTC – The vision for Transportation 2035 is to support a prosperous and globally competitive Bay Area economy, provide for a healthy and safe environment, and promote equitable mobility opportunities for all residents. Among the cornerstones of the new plan are a joint regional planning initiative known as FOCUS, which provides incentives for cities and counties to promote future growth near transit in already urbanized portions of the Bay Area. The plan also launches a Transportation Climate Action Campaign to reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions.
