Page 37 -

12 • Green Project Management

• The Clean Air Act (1970, amended 1977 and 1990)
• The Clean Water Act (1972, amended 1977)
• Energy Policy Act (2005)
• Pollution Protection Act (1990)

For further and extensive information about the EPA and its regula-
tions, go to http://www.epa.gov/.

California’s AB32
Because this 2006 legislation is the first of its kind, we have included the
details here. AB32 is a comprehensive program that uses market and regu-
latory mechanisms to “achieve real, quantifiable, cost-effective reductions
of greenhouse gases (GHG).” It makes the Air Resources Board (ARB)
responsible for monitoring and reducing GHG emissions and continues
the existing Climate Action Team to coordinate statewide efforts. It autho-
rizes the governor to invoke a safety valve in the event of extraordinary
circumstances, catastrophic events, or the threat of significant economic
harm, for up to 12 months at a time. This requires the ARB to:

• Establish a statewide GHG emissions cap for 2020, based on 1990
emissions by January 1, 2008.
• Adopt mandatory reporting rules for significant sources of green-
house gases by January 1, 2008.
• Adopt a plan by January 1, 2009, indicating how emission reductions
will be achieved from significant GHG sources via regulations, mar-
ket mechanisms, and other actions.
• Adopt regulations by January 1, 2011, to achieve the maximum tech-
nologically feasible and cost-effective reductions in GHGs, including
provisions for using both market mechanisms and alternative com-
pliance mechanisms.
• Convene an Environmental Justice Advisory Committee and an
Economic and Technology Advancement Advisory Committee to
advise ARB.
• Ensure public notice for and opportunity for comment on all
ARB actions.
• Prior to imposing any mandates or authorizing market mechanisms,
ARB is required to evaluate several factors, including but not limited
to impacts on California’s economy, the environment, and public