TWO YEARS AGO, California made a precedent-setting commitment to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. That's when Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed landmark legislation aimed at cutting the emissions 25 percent by 2020.

It is an ambitious goal that, if reached, would result in cleaner air, a reduction in fossil fuel use and less dependence on imported oil. However, cutting back on greenhouse gases is particularly challenging in a state with a population that is expected to grow from about 37 million today to more than 42 million by 2020.

Any successful attempt to reduce greenhouse gases must include ways to cut back on fuel consumption by passenger cars, which account for 30 percent of emissions.

Technology will play a major role as hybrid and other high-mileage cars replace less efficient vehicles. But more must be done if California is to meet its goals. Less driving and greater fuel efficiency is needed.

That is where Senate Bill 375 by Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, comes in. The measure's supporters understand that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is best accomplished with a comprehensive plan that includes land use as well as transportation strategies.

The measure requires the California Air Resources Board to set vehicle emission reduction targets for different regions of the state by 2010. Then, each of the state's 17 metropolitan planning associations would devise a plan to meet the goals.

One of the key strategies of SB375 is to reduce suburban sprawl by linking transportation money to "smart growth" planning. Cities and counties could continue to approve developments. However, only those that are built near transit or clustered near current developments would be eligible for a share of state transportation money.

If new residential and commercial growth is directed toward transit villages and infill projects that are nearer to jobs, shopping and mass transportation, people are likely to drive significantly less.

The alternative is more suburban sprawl that requires more driving miles and reduces open space and agricultural land.

What makes SB375 so appealing is its lack of draconian measures to force people out of their cars. Instead, it uses positive inducements for developers to build intelligently. The bill also exempts qualified "smart growth" developments from the California Environmental Quality Act requirements.

This exemption saves builders from the considerable time and expense of what can be a tedious CEQA process.

The proactive, positive approach of SB375 has earned the bill the support of the California Building Industry Association.

The measure still does not have the support of some business groups and those fearful of losing local control over land use.

But there is no way to successfully cut greenhouse gas emissions or the wasteful use of nonrenewable fossil fuels and imported oil without regional planning that curbs suburban sprawl.

It is far better to act now, using positive incentives, to help Californians drive less without imposing higher fuel taxes, registration fees or driving restrictions.

We are confident that Californians can significantly cut back on their consumption of fossil fuels with new technology and intelligent development that results in less driving.

SB375 is an important part of that strategy and merits bipartisan support in the Legislature and the governor's signature.

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