California's Lesson for A Low-Carbon Future

[jpak]

http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/007595.html

Residents of California, land of freeways and belching tailpipes, drive fewer miles per capita than the rest of the country. How's that for turning a stereotype on its head?

It's true - and underscores a poignant lesson as the world drags its feet in addressing man-made global warming: While tackling climate change is good for the environment, it may be even better for the economy.

The statistic is one of dozens of jaw-dropping nuggets in the inaugural "California Green Innovation Index," an initiative by the non-profit, non-partisan Next 10 group that is designed to track key indicators as California moves to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels.

Consider this: Despite the state's reputation for high electricity costs, Californians, per capita, pay lower utility bills - less than half of residents in Texas, for example. Tougher building and appliance standards saved the state $56 billion by 2003 and are expected to save another $23 billion in the next five years. Energy efficiency allowed the state to avoid building 24 power plants in the last 30 years.

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[kestrel91316]

1. I drive only 2.5 miles each way to and from work, and have done so for

16 years. Howdya like THEM apples? Last time I did any major commuting was 18 years ago.

And even though LA DWP has managed to keep electricity prices low, they are climbing. I want to see how low I can get my bill, and how KWH I can use now that I am out of the (1940s vintage uninsulated) house and in an apartment (built 1970, has SOME insulation?).

[tinrobot]

2. The joys of telecommuting.

We got that high tech thing mastered here in California. My only commute these days is to my morning yoga class, and half the time I do it on my bike.