Schwarzenegger signs Global Warming Solutions Act

The Global Warming Solutions Act was a landmark piece of legislation aimed at addressing climate change through regulatory measures on greenhouse gas emissions. This act established the first cap on emissions in the United States, targeting utilities, refineries, and manufacturing plants. The law mandated that these entities adhere to specific limits on the amount of greenhouse gases they could emit, thereby creating a structured approach to reducing overall emissions. In conjunction with this act, a second bill was signed that restricted large utilities and corporations from entering into long-term contracts with suppliers that did not comply with California's greenhouse gas emission standards. This dual approach was designed to ensure that California would not only set ambitious targets for emissions reduction but also enforce compliance through economic incentives and regulations.