Comment Log Display

Thank state 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.

Parts of this proposal are very 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. 

However, the program should 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.