Member-only story

How The Golden State Became An Environmental Leader: Princeton Studies In

Chris Coleman

·10.2k Followers· Follow

Published in California Greenin : How The Golden State Became An Environmental Leader (Princeton Studies In American Politics: Historical International And Comparative Perspectives 157)

7 min read

695 View Claps

69 Respond

Save

Listen

California Greenin': How the Golden State Became an Environmental Leader (Princeton Studies in American Politics: Historical, International, and Comparative Perspectives Book 157)

by David Vogel

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3460 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	295 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

California has long been at the forefront of environmental protection, with a history of passing landmark legislation and setting ambitious goals. From the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) of 1970 to the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, California has been a leader in addressing environmental challenges.

A new study from Princeton University sheds light on how California became an environmental leader and what other states can learn from its success. The study, published in the journal Environmental Politics, finds that California's success can be attributed to a number of factors, including:

* A strong environmental movement * A supportive political climate * A history of environmental disasters * A commitment to innovation

A Strong Environmental Movement

California has a long history of environmental activism. The state's first environmental organization, the Sierra Club, was founded in 1892. Since then, a number of other environmental organizations have been founded in California, including the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC),the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF),and the California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV).

These organizations have played a key role in raising awareness of environmental issues, advocating for environmental protection, and holding government accountable. They have also helped to build a constituency for environmental protection in California.

A Supportive Political Climate

California has a long history of supporting environmental protection. In 1970, California voters passed Proposition 20, which created the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). CEQA requires state and local agencies to consider the environmental impacts of their decisions. This law has been a major force in protecting California's environment.

In addition to CEQA, California has passed a number of other landmark environmental laws. These laws include the Coastal Act of 1976, which protects California's coastline; the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, which regulates toxic chemicals; and the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, which requires California to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

California's political leaders have also been supportive of environmental protection. In 2015, Governor Jerry Brown signed an executive order to reduce California's greenhouse gas emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030. This goal is one of the most ambitious in the world.

A History of Environmental Disasters

California has been hit by a number of environmental disasters, including the Great Los Angeles Smog of 1943, the Santa Barbara oil spill of 1969, and the Exxon Valdez oil spill of 1989. These disasters have helped to raise awareness of environmental issues and have led to increased public support for environmental protection.

The Great Los Angeles Smog of 1943 was a major air pollution event that killed hundreds of people and sickened thousands more. The smog was caused by a combination of factors, including automobile emissions, industrial pollution, and a temperature inversion. The smog led to the passage of the California Clean Air Act of 1947, which was one of the first air pollution laws in the United States.

The Santa Barbara oil spill of 1969 was a major oil spill that caused extensive damage to the California coastline. The spill occurred when an oil well blew out off the coast of Santa Barbara. The spill released millions of gallons of oil into the ocean and killed thousands of animals. The spill led to increased public awareness of the dangers of offshore oil drilling and helped to spur the passage of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972.

The Exxon Valdez oil spill of 1989 was a major oil spill that caused extensive damage to the Alaskan coastline. The spill occurred when the Exxon Valdez oil tanker ran aground on Bligh Reef in Prince William Sound. The spill released millions of gallons of oil into the ocean and killed thousands of animals. The spill led to increased public awareness of the dangers of oil spills and helped to spur the passage of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990.

A Commitment to Innovation

California is a leader in environmental innovation. The state has been at the forefront of developing new technologies to reduce air pollution, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.

In the 1970s, California developed the catalytic converter, which is a device that reduces air pollution from cars. The catalytic converter has been adopted by countries around the world.

In the 1990s, California developed the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate. The ZEV mandate requires automakers to produce a certain number of zero-emission vehicles each year. The ZEV mandate has helped to accelerate the development of electric vehicles.

In the 2000s, California developed the solar initiative. The solar initiative provides financial incentives for the installation of solar panels. The solar initiative has helped to make solar energy more affordable and has led to a boom in the solar industry.

California's commitment to innovation has helped to make the state a leader in environmental protection. The state has developed a number of new technologies that have helped to reduce air pollution, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.

California has long been a leader in environmental protection. The state's success can be attributed to a number of factors, including:

* A strong environmental movement * A supportive political climate * A history of environmental disasters * A commitment to innovation

Other states can learn from California's success. By following California's lead, other states can help to protect their environment and create a more sustainable future.

California Greenin': How the Golden State Became an Environmental Leader (Princeton Studies in American Politics: Historical, International, and Comparative Perspectives Book 157)

by David Vogel

4.8 out of 5