http://www.energyefficiencynews.com <p>California has unveiled the draft version of its greenhouse gas <a rel="external" href="http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/capandtrade/meetings/121409/pdr.pdf">cap-and-trade regulation</a> that would be the first in the US.</p> <p>The preliminary draft released this week by <a rel="external" href="http://www.arb.ca.gov/">California Air Resources Board</a> (ARB) will be considered during 2010 before introduction on January 1, 2012.</p> <p>The cap-and-trade programme will limit emissions on a declining scale to meet the state&rsquo;s 2020 reduction target. When fully implemented, the scheme will cover 85% of emissions, including heavy industry, electricity generation, transportation and emissions from stationary fuel combustion (natural gas).</p> <p>The state&rsquo;s 600 largest emitters, mainly industrial plants and electricity generators, will start the programme, will see their emissions capped, although they will be able to purchase extra allowances at auction.</p> <p>&ldquo;By releasing the first draft of a cap-and-trade system that California will put into effect in 2012, we are demonstrating the state's determination to push ahead,&rdquo; said ARB chair Mary D. Nichols.</p> <p>For further information:<br /> <a rel="external" href="http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/capandtrade/meetings/121409/pdr.pdf">www.arb.ca.gov/cc/capandtrade/meetings/121409/pdr.pdf</a></p> <p>Related stories:<br /> <a rel="external" href="http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/i/2408/">California Governor sets target of 33% renewable energy by 2020 (17-Sept)</a><br /> <a rel="external" href="http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/i/2042/">California rules to reduce fuel emissions 10% by 2020 (27-Apr)</a><br /> <a rel="external" href="http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/i/1712/">California adopts comprehensive climate change action plan (17-Dec 2008)</a></p> http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/i/2611/ 2009-11-27T00:00:00-00:00 US policy, California, cap and trade, carbon emissions, fossil fuels, transportation,