California extends tough climate policy measures to 2030

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California legislators late Monday approved extending the state's tough measures to fight climate change to 2030, a major victory for Democratic Governor Jerry Brown

The "cap-and-trade" measure -- which cuts greenhouse gas emissions by using free market methods -- was approved by the State Assembly and Senate by a two-thirds majority.

Brown, the 79-year-old governor of the most populous US state, wants to make California a leader in meeting standards set by the Paris climate accord, especially after President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the agreement on June 1.

"Tonight, California stood tall and once again, boldly confronted the existential threat of our time," Brown wrote on Twitter.

"Republicans and Democrats set aside their differences, came together and took courageous action. That's what good government looks like," Brown wrote.

Jerry Brown said California was "standing tall once again." /CFP Photo

In the five-year-old measure, California set a statewide limit on greenhouse gas emissions, and polluting companies are mandated to buy permits for each metric ton of gas they emit.

These limits decrease over time, and companies that pollute more can buy emission credits from those that pollute less.

Brown gave a passionate presentation to the State Assembly on Thursday in support of the measure.

"Climate change is real. It is a threat to organized human existence," said Brown.

"This isn't about some cockamamie legacy," he told the members. "This isn't for me, I'm going to be dead. It's for you and it's damn real."

The Assembly also approved a measure to increase air pollution monitoring and increase penalties on polluters.

(Source: AFP)