Assembly approves Wolk environmental measures

Bills pass off Assembly floor and on to Senate

SACRAMENTO –The State Assembly yesterday approved four environmental protection bills by Assemblywoman Lois Wolk (D-Davis) on topics ranging from wildlife protection to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.  

“These four bills are all part of my package of environmental protection legislation,” said Wolk. “Together, they work to conserve and protect our state’s natural resources, and I look forward to working with my peers in the Senate to send these bills on to the Governor for his signature.”   

• Assembly Bill 532 requires solar heating to be evaluated as an option for all state operated swimming pools. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, an Olympic-sized swimming pool switched from natural gas heating to solar heating would eliminate over 500,000 pounds of greenhouse gases per year and would save the state between $35,000 and $55,000 per year in heating costs.

• AB 680 extends until 2013 the successful Rice Straw Tax Credit Program, which has helped reduce air pollution by encouraging alternatives to burning California rice straw. Through this program, rice straw has found its way into some new and innovative products, including erosion control, fiberboard manufacturing, cattle-feeding operations, construction, and animal bedding.

• AB 923 requires implementation of the California Wildlife Action Plan by the Department of Fish and Game to protect California 's wildlife. The bill should also enhance the state's ability to draw down additional federal funding in the future to support its wildlife conservation efforts.  

• AB 1683 provides the Department of Fish and Game with the authority necessary to prevent the spread of quagga mussels, a highly invasive species threatening California 's water delivery and natural ecosystems.