Calif. regulators target tech industry emissions {GHGs}

[eppur_se_muova]

By SAMANTHA YOUNG , Associated Press Writer (AP) -- California air regulators on Thursday broadened their reach into Silicon Valley, implementing rules intended to cut greenhouse gas emissions from semiconductor plants.

The state Air Resources Board voted unanimously to regulate some of the most potent gases produced by the semiconductor industry, which makes chips for cell phones, computers and cars.

By Jan. 1, 2012, more than a dozen California chip manufacturers must reduce their use of fluorinated gases. Scientists say such emissions trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere at a rate 23,000 times higher than carbon dioxide.

"The chemicals are highly potent greenhouse gases. It's important that we begin the process of phasing them out," board chairwoman Mary Nichols said.

Because California has a robust semiconductor industry, the boards' actions could set a global standard for reducing emissions, Nichols said.
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more: http://www.physorg.com/news154891724.html

[moundsview]

1. Well Ms Nichols

I doubt that the boards' actions will set a global standard for reducing emissions, but they will certainly encourage the off shoring of manufacturing of semiconductors.

Not that we need those jobs here of course.

[NYC_SKP]

2. AB-32, Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006

It's going to hit all businesses, then other entities like schools.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Warming_Solutions_Act_of_2006

:patriot: