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Brown Signs Climate Legislation To Reduce Greenhouse-Gas Emissions

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Gov. Jerry Brown visited Los Angeles Thursday to sign legislation that dramatically extends the state's goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Brown signed two bills -- SB 32 by Sen. Fran Pavley, D-Agoura Hills, and AB 197 by Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia, D-Coachella - at Vista Hermosa Natural Park in downtown L.A. amid opposition from the oil industry, business groups and Republicans.

"Today, our state has set bold and historic goals in the global fight against climate change," Mayor Eric Garcetti said in a written statement. "California is showing the world how we can dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect vulnerable communities from the health and environmental impacts of carbon pollution, and make meaningful investments in our clean energy future."

SB 32 mandates that the state reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030.

The law will extend the goal set by the state in 2006, which required the state to reduce emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.

According to the governor's office, the state is on track to meet that goal.

AB 197 calls on the state to focus its pollution-reduction efforts on "disadvantaged" communities and to increase public oversight of climate programs.

Brown has set an ultimate goal of cutting emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.

(©2016 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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