Water And Air Quality Bill Signed By Governor

Governor Gray Davis has signed legislation to improve California water and air quality, including protecting the public from risks associated with rocket fuels. Other new laws encourage the protection of old growth trees and require the production of washing machines that use less water. One new law, S-B-1-8-2-2, calls for limits on the amount of Perchlorate allowed in ground water. The toxic chemical is found in rocket fuel. It can damage the thyroid gland, which regulates the body´s metabolism. Under the new law, state officials must agree on the limits by

January 2003 and begin enforcing them the next year. Law SB-812 creates a forest registry that could one day enable landowners to receive credits for reducing greenhouse gasses. Under the law, landowners may voluntarily register forest projects that reduce green house gasses.