California OKs Nation's Greenest Building Code

Pioneering initiative's grads tackle both pollution and poverty

(NEWSER) - The first waves of graduates from California's pioneering "green collar" training program are ready to put their new skills to work reducing the state's carbon footprint, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. The trainees, including ex-cons and low-income residents, have finished an extensive course in construction skills to equip them for entry-level jobs in the green economy. More»

3 years in the making; first of its size in the nation

(NEWSER) - While climate legislation flounders in Congress, California is taking the lead: Air regulators there voted yesterday to cap industrial greenhouse gas emissions and instate the first carbon-trading program of its size in the US, the Los Angeles Times reports. “Most political people said we should do as little as possible as slowly as possible” because of the economy, said an official. "We are being cautious and careful, but in the context of a very bold effort." More»

Better construction seen as best chance of saving energy

(NEWSER) - Authorities are trying to hammer together tighter nationwide building codes to save energy and combat climate change, the New York Times reports. Experts say requiring buildings to be more efficient will do more to save energy than any other single policy move, but codes remain weak to nonexistent across half the country. Campaigners warn that inefficient building now is locking in energy profligacy for decades to come. More»

The Edge's project raises concerns about environment

(NEWSER) - U2’s the Edge is ruffling the feathers of some of his fellow Malibu residents with a plan to build five houses atop a hill overlooking the Pacific, the Los Angeles Times reports. Both potential neighbors and California preservation agencies charge that David Evans' project is too ambitious for the delicate ridge. They say it could result in damage to habitats, potential landslides, and more vehicle traffic than the narrow access road can handle. More»

(NEWSER) - Relax, Rush Limbaugh: California is not going to outlaw your favorite car color. The California Air Resources Board said yesterday that it isn’t, and never was, planning to ban black rides to mitigate greenhouse gases, the LA Times reports. A report to the CARB about the advantages of more reflective paint sent Limbaugh into high gear Thursday; the radio host railed against infringement of auto-owners rights on the air and his website proclaimed, “Tyrants Want to Ban Black Cars.” More»