There is a growing scientific consensus that increasing emissions of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere are affecting the temperature and variability of the Earth's climate. Recognizing the profound implications that global warming and climate variation could have on the economy, environment and quality of life in the desert Southwest, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano signed Executive Order 2005-02 on Feb. 2, 2005, establishing the Arizona Climate Change Advisory Group (CCAG).
The CCAG's objectives were two-fold:
- Establish a baseline inventory and forecast of greenhouse gas emissions in Arizona.
- Produce an action plan with recommendations for reducing those emissions.
The goal of the stakeholder process was to focus the expertise and diverse perspectives of the CCAG members on finding meaningful solutions that fit Arizona's unique needs and circumstances.
Governor Napolitano accepted the CCAG's Climate Change Action Plan and on Sept. 8, 2006, signed Executive Order 2006-13, which established a statewide goal to reduce Arizona's future GHG emissions to the 2000 emissions level by the year 2020, and to 50 percent below the 2000 level by 2040. The Executive Order also created the Climate Change Executive Committee under the direction of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to begin implementing Action Plan recommendations. |
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