SACRAMENTO, Calif._The California Assembly approved a second measure on climate change Wednesday after a contentious debate about the benefits of environmental regulations and whether the provisions go far enough to increase legislative oversight of state regulators.
Assembly Bill 197 now goes to Gov. Jerry Brown for his signature. A related measure that would extend the state's target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Senate Bill 32, is awaiting another vote in the Senate after being approved by the Assembly on Tuesday.
Assembly Bill 197 reached the floor after being approved earlier in the day by a committee. Because it would direct regulators to prioritize direct emission reductions from sources such as refineries, some business groups are concerned it would undermine the cap-and-trade program, a charge rejected by supporters.
The discussion on the floor reflected questions about whether the benefits of environmental regulations were being felt equally around the state.
"How many Teslas are in your district? Not many of them in mine," GOP Assemblywoman Shannon Grove said.
Some Democrats spoke out against the legislation, including Assemblywoman Cheryl R. Brown. She said the proposal does not include adequate oversight of state regulators, an ongoing issue for climate legislation.
"I do not see equity, transparency and accountability," Brown said.
Democratic Assemblyman Ken Cooley disagreed, saying he thought there would be significant progress.
"This is a very consequential bill, enlarging the footprint of the Legislature in this area," he said.
Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia, a Democrat and the author of the bill, described it as an important step forward for lawmakers.
"Doing nothing keeps us in the same position, with our hands tied behind our back," he said.
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