Posted by
BLOGASSAULT on Saturday, February 28, 2009 9:22:45 AM
You would think with the downturn in the economy and job losses mounting that the governement of California would not be forcing chipmakers in Silicon Valley to
reduce their emissions by 56% over the next 3 years.
Overall, the reductions would account for less than 1 percent of the target California is trying to reach under AB 32, the state's 2006 global warming law. The idea is to cut greenhouse gases to 1990 levels by 2020.
Companies that don't comply with the restrictions, which will become more severe over time, will face regulatory action, including financial penalties.
John Greenagel, a spokesman at San Jose's Semiconductor Industry Association, said after Thursday's hearing that the regulations will cost businesses about $37 million at a time when the chip industry is struggling.
"We have not added a new semiconductor chip-making facility in at least the past 15 years and now it is going to be harder," said Greenagel, adding that such plants typically employ 1,000 to 1,200 people. "We're already not competitive, but this just adds to the burden."
California simply doesn't care what the damage is to their economy; they have a goal of 1990 emission levels in 11 years and nothing will stop them from acheiving that goal.