Assemblyman Joe Nation proposes 'Cool the Planet' plan

By James Lanaras, Bay City News Service

May 21, 2006

Assemblyman Joe Nation, D-Sonoma-Marin, unveiled a "Cool the Planet'' plan Thursday that is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 50 percent by 2020.

The plan also expands the use of alternative fuel vehicles to 100 percent of all new vehicles and expands the use of renewable energy by 2020.

"Global warming is the most important challenge of our time, by far surpassing the importance of any other issue. It is imperative that we move aggressively and quickly to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,'' Nation said.

Nation is running for the 6th District seat in Congress against Rep. Lynn Woolsey in the June 6 primary election. Nation said he plans to call for a "cap and trade'' system to reduce greenhouse gases from stationary sources; aggressive development of alternative fuels for vehicles through foreign oil independence legislation; and a nickel-per-gallon gas tax for five years to fund research and development and provide rebates to consumers who buy fuel efficient vehicles.

Nation said in the short term, the country must develop fuels like "yellow'' ethanol to end dependence on foreign oil.

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