LOS ANGELES, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- California's anti-global warming measures will create more jobs and lead to more savings in the decade ahead, according to a new study released on Monday.

    Policies that mandate cutting greenhouse-gas emissions, such as the state's landmark law known as AB 32, require energy-efficiency improvements that will mean 403,000 new jobs with a payroll of 48 billion U.S. dollars, said the study conducted by researchers at the University of California in Berkeley.

    Such improvements will also contribute 76 billion dollars to the gross state product by 2020, according to the study.

    Three decades of emphasis on energy efficiency in California has already created 1.5 million jobs and 45 billion dollars in payroll, the study said.

    "The current financial crisis reminds us of the importance of responsible risk management," said Roland-Holst, a researcher with the university's Center for Energy, Resources and Economic Sustainability. "In addition to energy price vulnerability and climate damage, the risks of excessive energy dependence include lower long-term economic growth. A lower carbon future for California is a more prosperous and sustainable future."

    The state has suggested that AB 32 might create 60,000 jobs, Roland-Holst said, but it didn't factor in gains in energy efficiency due to the innovations that will result in even more jobs.

    The law, which requires the state to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, will emphasize energy efficiency and renewable energy. It includes the establishment of a market to trade pollution credits, and calls for cleaner cars and cleaner fuels.

    Roland-Holst said that when people use less electricity they'll have lower electricity bills.

    "If you can save money for households on their electricity bills, they will spend that money on more customary spending, like espresso drinks and haircuts," he said.