(Mission Times Courier, San Diego, CA) The Senate passed two global warming reduction bills sponsored by Sen. Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego) on June 4, measures that would result in more hybrid vehicles and cleaner fuel being sold in California.

“The days of being addicted to pollution-causing fuels like oil are over, and this legislation marks the beginning of California becoming a cleaner and healthier place to live, work, and play,” said Kehoe. “These bills not only improve California’s air quality but they will also expand the state’s economy and create new jobs.”

Senate Bill 494 would require that half of all new passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks sold in California by Jan. 1, 2020 be clean alternative vehicles such as hybrids. Senate Bill 210 would require that all gasoline and diesel sold in California have lower carbon levels by 2010, and that greenhouse gases be reduced at least 10 percent before 2020. Carbon is a source of air pollution.

According to a University of California study, lower emission standards would increase the state’s productivity by about $60 billion and create more than 20,000 jobs.

Both bills are part of the Senate Democratic Caucus’ Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction bill package and now advance to the Assembly for consideration.