Up in the Air

By Bill Polits

According to the latest polling data, Prop. 23 (California's ballot initiative that would severely curtail the state's landmark law regulating greenhouse gas emissions) is unlikely to pass by an 11 point spread.

The LA Times/USC poll of likely voters shows 48% against to 37% in favor of the Prop. 23. Prop. 23, if passed, would in effect curtail the effect of AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 and its mandate to roll back greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.

As California is a bellwether state for policies that could affect the nation, the fate of Prop. 23 and the implementation of AB 32 is a concern for users and providers of fire suppression equipment which use substances which are considered to have a high global warming potential (GWP).