Greenhouse Gases Rise 85% in 4 Decades

Global warming-related emissions in California jumped a whopping 85% between 1960 and 2001, according to a new analysis of federal data released Tuesday by Environment California, which called for tough new state laws to reduce the trend.

Increased carbon dioxide emissions from cars, trucks and other vehicles were responsible for 61% of the increase, the group found, and carbon dioxide emissions from natural gas used for heating and to generate electricity were responsible for the rest.

Using data compiled by the U.S. Department of Energy, the study concluded that California emitted 198.8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in 1960. By 2001, the state’s emissions had grown to 368.7 million metric tons.

California ranked third in emissions behind Texas and Florida. But if emissions from coal-fired power plants in other states, which provide about 20% of the state’s energy, were included, “we would be the No. 1 emitter by far,” said Dan Jacobson, legislative director for Environment California, a San Francisco-based environmental group.

Jacobson said the rate of greenhouse-gas emissions per capita has actually slowed in the state, but because of millions of new residents, the total amount has climbed sharply.

“From an environmental perspective, per capita doesn’t really matter,” he said.

“Melting ice caps don’t really care” if greenhouse gas emissions are produced by one person or millions of people, Jacobson said.

Numerous scientific studies have concluded that global warming is occurring and that it is caused by human activity.

The group called for mandatory reductions of greenhouse gases to bring the amount down and swift enactment of Assembly Bill 32, which would require caps on industry emissions. A Senate hearing on the bill, sponsored by Speaker Fabian Nunez and Assemblywoman Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills), is set for next Tuesday.

“We know how to control it,” said Jacobson. “Eighty-five percent is dramatic; it shows we have to take steps to get it more under control. This is where we need elected officials to step in.”

But the California Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday issued a survey of its own, calling the bill one of several “job killers” proposed by legislators.

The chamber said the bill would only increase greenhouse-gas emissions in China, India and other countries with less stringent emissions standards.

“We think AB 32 is a lose-lose for California,” said Allan Zaremberg, head of the chamber. “It’s going to cost us jobs because it will increase the price of energy.... Companies are going to move jobs to developing countries, where energy generation may actually increase carbon emissions.”

He said tax credits and other incentive programs should be offered to help businesses convert to cleaner energy and stay in California.

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Times staff writer Marc Lifsher contributed to this report.