California Air Control
Joel Hernandez
Madera Community College
Dr. Kathleen L. Reyna
Political Science 2
2015 Spring Quarter

Abstract
California has the worst air pollution in the whole United States. What are the politics doing to help improve the air quality? Well, governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed to become the first nation’s law to regulate greenhouse emissions. With the desire in having a better air, many ideas, laws, and plans have been presented to regulate greenhouse gases that are beneficial to the environment. Plans like the AB 23, signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and regulations to fire burning and the elimination of emissions produced by older heavy duty diesel trucks.

California Air Control
The state of California is in the top list with the most polluted cities in the United States. This is why state officials have come up with new plans to regulate air pollution emitted by vehicles and to reduce greenhouse gases. Plans like the regulation of semi-diesel trucks are meant to help the critical situation of global warming in the state of California by having a clean environment. According to the article, The Public Policy Institute of California, “Increases in global emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) are leading to higher air and water temperatures as well as rising sea levels, with serious consequences for California”. The consequences are droughts, heat waves, and an increase of fires that affect the environment.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the first nation’s law to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, AB 32. Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32) requires California to lower its GHG (Greenhouse Gases) to 1990 levels by 2020. Greenhouse gases that are being covered by AB32 are gases such as: Carbon dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous oxide (N2O), Hydro-fluorocarbons (HFCs), Perfluorocarbons (PFCs), Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), Nitrogen trifluoride (NF3). It is estimated that about 80% of emissions will be below 1990 levels by 2050. Without AB 23, the state of California faces severe consequence. For example, the lack of snowfall on Sierra Nevada Mountains means less water for the state of California. Also, not having AB 23 means health problems such as asthma. Lastly, it also affects recreational areas, agriculture, and tourism.
Carbon dioxide emitted by vehicles is also a problem to air pollution. Due to the large population in the state of California, an accumulation of vehicles have been acquired. Due to this, Air Resources Board (ARB) has adopted some regulation to minimized smog contamination on off road heavy duty diesel vehicles. Adopted on July 26, 2007, the ARB has reduced the diesel particulate matter (PM) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions on off road heavy duty diesel vehicles. Also, according to the article, Truck and Bus Regulation On-Road Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicles, “Newer heavier trucks and buses must meet PM filter requirements beginning January 1, 2015.” Nevertheless, every older truck should be replaced by newer ones. It is estimated that by 2023, almost every truck should be running on a 2010 engine model. Rule 247 also focuses on reducing the oxide of nitrogen (NOx) emitted by natural gas fired water, process heaters, and boilers. Solar energy is