California fights global warming.

• Position: TRENDS AND TRANSITIONS - Brief article

The California Air Resources Board adopted a global warming plan in December, outlining what individuals and businesses will have to do to meet the state Global Warming Solutions Act passed in 2006. It's the nation's most sweeping global warming plan and will transform how people travel, businesses use electricity and utilities produce power.

The act requires the state to cut greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. The recently released plan contains 31 new rules affecting many aspects of life--from what kinds of air conditioners businesses use to what kinds of fuel Californians put in their cars. It also incorporates carbon cap-and-trade, which uses market forces to reduce emissions at least cost.

Critics...