California Smog Check Program: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law a bill to revamp California’s smog-check program. No earlier than January 1, 2013, smog check stations will be required to measure the emissions of model-year ’00 and newer vehicles using onboard diagnostic testing. The new law also directs that a procedure be developed for testing vehicles that are not able to be tested through an onboard diagnostic computer system.
California Greenhouse Gases: California voters rejected Proposition 23 with a resounding 61% “no” vote. Many proponents of the failed measure jumped ship to support its less controversial cousin: Proposition 26. Proposition 23 would have suspended implementation of California’s “Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006.” The state would not have been able to pursue regulations intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as cap-and-trade. Proposition 26 serves the function of delaying or preventing any new or increased fees including, but not limited to, fees associated with the implementation of the Global Warming Solutions Act. New fees will now require approval by two-thirds of the state legislature or two-thirds of registered voters. Prior to the passage of Proposition 26, lawmakers were able to balance the state budget and introduce laws that were revenue neutral with a simple majority. Under Proposition 26, a new super-majority of voters will be necessary for these measures.
