US pledges to cut federal government emissions by 28% by 2020

[onestepforward]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jan/29/climate-change-carbon-emissions

Barack Obama used his presidential authority to help advance his climate change agenda today, announcing that the US federal government and agencies would cut their giant carbon footprints by 28% by 2020.

The announcement was held up by administration officials as evidence of Obama's commitment to his climate and energy agenda, which has run into opposition in Congress and from coal, oil and manufacturing groups.

The White House said the targets – which are set against 2008 emissions levels – would reduce America's greenhouse gas emissions by 80m metric tons by 2020, and save the government between $8bn (£5bn) and $11bn in energy costs.

Obama will also propose a tripling of government loan guarantees for new nuclear reactors to more than $54bn, an administration official said, a move sure to win over some Republican lawmakers who want more nuclear power to be part of climate change legislation.
snip-

I'd much rather see those loans going toward solar, wind and other renewable energy sources. Obama didn't talk much about it in his SOTU either.

I'm glad to hear about cutting the federal government's emissions. It's a start.

[JDPriestly]

1. In California, governments are proposing to increase charges for

parking on the street, for parking tickets and to privatize public parking.

It sounds like a great idea. But as usual these new charges will hit the poor, the disabled, working parents and the very elderly the most. Those are the groups of people who can least afford to pay more for parking but who are also most likely to have difficulty walking, riding a bicycle or using public transportation. (We have far too little public transportation in Los Angeles and it is very inconvenient.)

Further, charging for street parking, increasing traffic fines, etc. will force cultural changes that we are not ready for.
For example, most Americans shop in super markets once a week and then stop off at the supermarket on the way home from work or other places to buy things when they run out or need something unexpected.

There have to be better ways to deal with global warming and energy independence.

[atmame77]

2. My check engine light went on

My auto inspection is due before Feb. 1 2010.
We have emission testing in Massachusetts besides the brake, lights, horn, etc.
Yesterday My check engine light went on. A cold front came by and the temp. dropped 30 degrees.
I changed the air filter and the check engine light went off. Must have been the cold and that
sand and salter truck that I passed on the Highway. Crapped up My air filter with the road salt.
How many other states have emission testing?