Congresswoman Matsui spoke to the Cleaner Air Partnership quarterly meeting last week presenting legislative activities at the Federal level, including the federal economic stimulus bill.  Larry Greene, Air Pollution Control Officer for the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, presented state legislative matters of importance in the air quality arena.
 
Though it is uncertain how much funding the federal economic stimulus bill will provide to the Sacramento region, Rep. Matsui assured the Partnership that legislators are looking closely at ready-to-go project funding, stating that Sacramento is "ahead of the game" with the Sacramento Area Council of Governments' smart growth Blueprint and Metropolitan Transportation Plans.  "We know that land use can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and with the Blueprint, Sacramento is prepared," Rep. Matsui told the Partnership, "For solutions nationally, Sacramento is a laboratory.  We have an opportunity to play a leadership role in climate change."

Larry Greene briefed the partnership on significant state legislation including the status of The Global Warming Act (AB 32), which sets to reduce California's greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020.  Other state activities this year include landmark legislation with the passing of Senate Bill 375, which incents smart and conscientiously-planned growth patterns in exchange for environmental streamlining.

 

Don't miss our next Quarterly Luncheon on Friday, April 17, 2009.