Comment Log Display

California Environmental Protection Agency
Air Resources Board

Dear Board Members:

I want to thank you for taking global warming seriously and
developing a plan to reduce global warming pollution while at the
same time creating jobs and making California a healthier and more
prosperous place to live. The proposed program will decrease global
warming emissions from the state’s largest polluters and establish
a market price on these emissions. This program is one of many
policies CARB is using to reach the state’s goal of reducing global
warming emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, along with renewable
energy, energy efficiency, and cleaner transportation standards.

I duly note that parts of the proposal are strong, such as setting
a limit that declines each year, and setting a minimum price on
carbon pollution. This steady price signal will help businesses
make long-term investments in strategies to reduce global warming
emissions.  I particularly applaud this approach.

We who voted against Proposition 23 recommend that the program be
strengthened by requiring more of the state’s largest polluters to
pay for their global warming emissions instead of giving permits
away for free. By forcing polluters to pay for the emissions they
generate by purchasing permits in an auction, we can then re-invest
the auction funds into efforts that will help us transition to a
cleaner economy and help lower energy costs for Californians—such
as making homes and businesses more energy efficient, increasing
public transit options, and developing wind and solar projects in
California.  

Your efforts will be followed with continuing interest by those of
us committed to a cleaner and safer California.  Thank you for your
efforts on this issue.  Please keep all of us informed on your
progress insofar as that is possible.  

Very truly yours,

Gloria A. Fitzgerald
460 Main Street, Apt. #217
Red Bluff, CA  96080
gloriafitzgerald@yahoo.com