Global warming in textbooks?

California students are one step closer to learning about global warming in their science textbooks after the state Senate advanced new legislation Wednesday.

A bill requiring climate change to be discussed in future textbooks passed 26 to 13. It will now be sent to the Assembly.

Vallejo City Unified School District board member Ward Stewart said he agrees with talking about global warming in school. Ward, a city planner, said many cities are revising their general plans to include sections on the role of climate change.

"Any sort of added discussion in school regarding global warming or preserving natural resources is something I would support," Ward said, adding he still wants to assess the bill to see how it would affect Vallejo's public schools.

Benicia Unified School District trustee Bonnie Weidel wondered if the topic of global warming is too politically charged for textbooks. However, she said she is concerned about teaching environmental issues.

"I follow the issue, but it still seems like we as a society haven't taken a real stand on (global warming)," Weidel said. "It's fraught with a lot of political baggage. On the other hand, I am concerned about the environment. If they approve the law, it might be a message