In September 2006, California adopted mandatory emissions caps for greenhouses gases, to ensure a return to 1990 emissions levels by 2020. Although this target is even weaker than the Kyoto Protocol (which aims at roughly 7% below 1990 levels by 2012), it makes California the first state in the nation to apply a mandatory cap. The state is the world's 12th largest emitter of global warming pollution. The state sees this as the first step on a path leading to 80% cuts by 2050.

California's top energy modelers found that 83,000 jobs and $4 billion in income could be generated in California by meeting the state's goals. In a separate study, leading economists found that eight policies can take the state over half way to meeting the 2020 reductions. These policies, such as cleaner standards for vehicles and capturing methane from landfills, can increase the Gross State Product by approximately $60 billion, and create over 20,000 new jobs.

• Official California Legislative Info for AB32
• Governor Schwarzenegger's Press Release
• Bill Summary from Union of Concerned Scientists