In 2000, the California legislature approved a climate action registry. And just as California tends to be at the forefront of most environmental initiatives in this country, it once again is taking the lead on preserving our climate and protecting it from the influences of pollution.

The purpose of this legislation was to provide an incentive for California companies to invest in equipment and to engage in policies and practices that will reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. California is taking a positive role, one that encourages cooperation.

California emits about 1.5% of the world's greenhouse gases. Per capita, it currently has one of the lower per capita emissions rates in the United States. Nonetheless, a 20% reduction in these emissions would be greater than emissions from individual countries such as Sweden, Norway and Portugal.

Thus, California understands that despite its already good track record, more can and should be done. And thus this program. When California companies register with the program and become a part of the process, California makes a commitment to them. That commitment is to use its best efforts to insure that organizations that participate obtain appropriate consideration under international, federal or state regulatory schemes that relate to greenhouse emissions. In other words, California promises to duly reward those companies that are doing their best to cut down on greenhouse. And why not?

The California registry has a seven member board of directors that are appointed by the Governor. The registry is required by law to adopt reporting and certification protocols, to approve firms that certify emission reductions, to maintain records of baseline emissions, to establish emission reduction goals and to promote entities which participate in the registry.

According to results from this program, 58% of the carbon dioxide emissions come from fossil fuels in the transportation sector. This means cars, trucks and planes. Thirty seven percent comes from motor gasoline and 12% from jet fuel.

Note interestingly enough how polluting jet fuel is. People ignore airplanes as pollution sources and that is a mistake! We are now beginning to confront the issue of airport pollution.

The long and short of this is that greenhouse emissions affect all of us. Air quality continues to be threatened as the number of people living in this country increases as does also the amount of industrial activity.

Every state needs to focus on greenhouse gas emissions. While it is not surprising that California has taken a lead, it is essential that other states become actively involved as well.

The information provided in this column is written by Stuart Lieberman,a practicing environmental attorney, and is for general information purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be used in place of legal advice.

Stuart Lieberman, Esq., and IRED.Com, Inc., will not accept any responsibilty for any reliance on the information in this column or any damages whatsoever resulting from reading this column.