>> Cali’s now allowed to set tougher tailpipe emissions laws! Earlier:  Cali’s tougher car emissions law gets a boost from Obama.

>> Relatedly, Cali’s going to require cars to have heat-reflecting windows, starting with 2012 models. That rule’s expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to air conditioner use. According to Wired’s Autopia, AC efficiency’s a hot topic since eco-ACs could improve fuel efficiency too.

>> Cali’s set to get more solar energy fast, now that the Obama administration’s fast tracked solar development in the west. “The proposed California solar-generating areas are projected to have the annual capacity to produce 39,000 to 70,000 megawatts of electricity at full development — enough to serve millions of homes.”

>> L.A. recorded its 4th straight year with below average rainfall yesterday. “From July 1 of last year to today, a period designated as a “rain year,” only about 9 inches of rain fell compared to an average of slightly more than 15 inches, said Bill Patzert, a climatologist with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Cañada Flintridge.” Earlier: Eating local in a drought: Should we buy Cali rice?

>> Missed the Venice Eco Fest over the weekend? Me too. But Matt Mason didn’t — and he’s put together a photo-essay of sorts so you can visit the fest virtually.

Photo by Simone Ramella

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