California air regulators say the state's greenhouse gas emissions law will help, not hurt, California's economy. The analysis also shows some unexpected benefits. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce explains.
The report from the California Air Resources Board says the state's landmark global warming law will save the state money and grow the economy.
That goes against claims by some business groups that the law will cost the state billions of dollars and lost jobs.
The Environmental Defense Fund's chief health scientist is John Balbus.
He says there's an added health benefit from the law too.
Balbus:
Reduced incidence of asthma. That means fewer kids ending up in emergency rooms, fewer parents having to take days off work, kids miss less school. All of these things accrue and produce a savings to the people of California.
The air board analysis says California's economy will grow at a faster rate than if the state did nothing to cut greenhouse gas emissions - which are linked to climate change.
The law mandates a 30% reduction in the state's greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.
Ed Joyce, KPBS News.
