California Proposition 23, the Suspension of AB 32

California Proposition 23, an initiative to suspend AB 32, the Global Warming Act of 2006, is on the November 2, 2010 ballot in California. If it passes it will suspend AB 32, a law enacted in 2006 and referred to as the Global Warming Solutions Act. The Center supported AB 32 and worked with a coalition of environmental groups for its passage.

The goal of the potential November initiative is to freeze the provisions of AB 32 until California's unemployment rate drops to 5.5% or below for four consecutive quarters. AB 32 requires that greenhouse emission levels in the state be cut to 1990 levels by 2020, in a gradual process of cutting that is slated to begin in 2012. AB 32 includes a provision allowing the Governor of California to suspend the provisions of AB 32 if there are "extraordinary circumstances" in place, such as "significant economic harm". However, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has said he will not suspend AB 32; therefore, the supporters of Proposition 23 decided to circulate a petition to accomplish a suspension. (Ballotpedia)