Search

The article discusses the politics of climate control and the initiatives of the State of California to respond to the plea of Al Gore for the world community to take decisive action to reduce emissions. California sued the feds and demanded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to permit the state to limit auto emissions. 700 mayors also signed an agreement that obligates cities to achieve 7% reduction by 2012. Despite the actions, many acknowledges that the efforts are insufficient to avoid significant consequences from global warming.

The article reports that San Francisco, California Mayor Gavin Newsom has signed an ordinance to reduce the single largest source of diesel pollution in the city, namely bulldozers, cranes and other heavy construction equipment. According to the rule, city contractors performing major projects will be required to use cleaner equipment and fuel that contains a minimum of 20 percent biodiesel. Also, contractors must notify schools and hospitals near construction sites before starting a project.

The article discusses the increased workload of law firms with California environmental practices due to the state's implementation of new emission regulations in 2013. It describes legal work arising from the state's first-ever carbon emissions auction in November 2012, including counseling and advising clients about offset programs. The expectation that such legal work would become more widespread if other states implement new environmental regulations is also mentioned.

The article reports that the U.S. District Court judge in Los Angeles, California has rejected the motion of the Kern County to dismiss the lawsuit that challenges the region's ban on land application of biosolids considering that it should not have been filed in Los Angeles. The court ruled that it was ok to file the case in the said state since the effect of the ban would handicap government agencies in the Los Angeles area. Furthermore, it has been noted that the lawsuit seeks to alter a ballot initiative passed by Kern County voters that limits the plaintiffs from recycling biosolids at two farm sites in the County including a 5,000 acre farm owned by Los Angeles.