Berkeley Lab Finds California On Track To Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions To 1990 Levels In Five Years

BERKELEY (CBS SF) – California appears to be on track to reduce carbon emissions down to levels not seen in more than two decades, according to a new analysis from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Jeffery Greenblatt of the Berkeley Lab developed a study modeling the impact state policies have on cutting greenhouse gases, such as AB 32, which requires greenhouse gas emissions at 1990 levels by 2020.

Greenblatt's analysis found with current pollution laws already in effect, the state would likely meet the AB 32 target in 2020.

The scientist found emissions would drop even further if new proposals and technologies are implemented, such as more efficient buildings and cars, increased use of biofuels, along with the construction of high-speed rail.

By 2030, Greenblatt's analysis showed emissions levels could drop even further, possibly reaching the California Air Resources Board's target of 40 percent below 1990 levels by then.

While it appears California can reduce carbon emissions in the near term, Greenblatt's analysis found the state would need to do more to meet emission targets for 2050, which require emissions to be 80 percent below what they were in 1990.

The study has been published in the journal Energy Policy.