Local governments commit to reducing greenhouse gases

Government leaders from across the Monterey Bay region committed this week to reducing per-capita greenhouse gas emissions of passenger vehicles by 5 percent over the next 25 years.

The commitment by the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments, expected to be fulfilled through responsible transportation and growth policies, comes as state regulators seek to implement California's ambitious greenhouse gas regulations.

The California Air Resources Board is expected to decide next month whether the region's new targets are acceptable. The state board had initially suggested that the three-county Monterey Bay Area could increase its output of greenhouse gases, but local leaders wanted to show greater environmental responsibility.