Oct 01 2008

Plan More, Emit Less

California's Gov. Schwarzenegger yesterday signed a pioneering bill to reduce California's greenhouse gas emissions--not by controlling energy use directly, but instead by curbing sprawl development that makes long car trips all but inevitable.

SB375, authored by State Sen. Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento), aims to reduce the number of miles people drive by promoting housing and land-use plans that foster sustainable communities, alternative transportation options (including walking), and healthier lifestyles.

The new law is the first of its kind in the country. "This landmark bill takes California's fight against global warming to a whole new level, and it creates a model that the rest of the country and world will use," Governor Schwarzenegger said.

To learn more about some of the planning options Steinberg has in mind, check out the new report Smart Infill, published by the Bay Area conservation organization Greenbelt Alliance. Steinberg says it gives "local leaders practical tools to encourage climate-friendly development in their communities."

Posted by: Jonathan Marshall | Comments (0) digg delicioussend to a friendprint entry

 

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Sustainable , Transportation

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  • This article is right on - small businesses have a huge role to play in sustainability. Not only do they add up in aggregate, but many small businesses operate in industries that can have a significant environmental impact depending on the exact practices, like dry cleaners, auto repair shops, etc. Green is also starting to affect the bottom line more and more, customers are increasingly voting with their feet for more sustainable businesses as can be seen from the growth of sites like http://www.ecovian.com. This is also a huge opportunity for small businesses to leapfrog their bigger brothers by being more agile in adopting these measures. -Emily
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