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Gov. Brown Issues Ambitious Greenhouse Gas Reduction Target

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. Wednesday established a greenhouse gas reduction target aimed to reduce dangerous carbon emissions over the next decade and a half.

According to the executive order, Gov. Brown plans to cut 40 percent below levels that were reached in 1990, by the year of 2030.

"With this order, California sets a very high bar for itself and other states and nations," said Gov. Brown. "It's one that must be reached for this generation and generations to come."

At this time, California is on track to meet and possibly exceed the current target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by the year of 2020, Gov. Brown explained.

Authorities expect this new target will allow for an ultimate reduction goal 80 percent under to be reached by the year of 2050.

The executive order additionally addresses a need for climate change, and directs the government to include climate change impacts into the California's five year infrastructure plan.

"Addressing climate change is critical for our environment and economy," said Mayor Eric Garcetti. "We are setting new targets here in Los Angeles to reduce emissions by 45 percent by 2025, and 60 percent by 2030."

Gov. Brown further discussed California's leading action on climate change at the "Navigating the American Carbon World" event, and the 18th annual Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles.

Emission levels should remain below what scientists believe trigger the worst effects of global warming as we have already experienced climate changes such as intense wild fires and extreme drought.

State lawmakers are now looking at new legislation to cut emissions further by increasing renewable energy sources, cutting the use of gasoline, and encouraging older buildings to become more energy efficient.

Officials explained the new target is considered to be the most aggressive benchmark enacted by any government in North America.

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