Report: California Global Warming Law Will Cut Asthma, Early Deaths

Research by the California Air Resources Board predicts that implementing the state's 2006 law targeted at global warming will benefit public health and the state's economy, the Los Angeles Times reports (Roosevelt, Los Angeles Times, 9/18).

The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 requires the state to limit pollutants that companies release into the atmosphere and expand use of renewable energy sources. Through a series of measures, the state aims to reduce carbon emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 (Kay, San Francisco Chronicle, 9/18).

Reports

An ARB report released on Wednesday projects that in 2020, efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions would translate to:

300 fewer premature deaths in California;
9,000 fewer cases of asthma and other respiratory illnesses; and
53,000 fewer lost work days (Los Angeles Times, 9/18).

A separate report expects the state to add 100,000 jobs by implementing the law. The study also estimates that the law will result in a $27 billion addition to the state economy and a $14 billion increase to personal income (San Francisco Chronicle, 9/18). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.