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Dear CARB,

Bay Localize works to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and build
community resilience in the Bay Area. We recognize California’s
Global Warming Solutions Act, AB 32, as an important step toward
addressing climate change. However, when it passed we were
disappointed that it included a cap-and-trade program. There are
number of serious problems with this model, and we are particularly
concerned about the opportunities for the system to be gamed. Due
to corporate influence, the European Union’s first cap-and-trade
system actually produced windfall profits for polluters, and failed
to seriously reduce emissions.

A stronger plan would combine two of the approaches identified by
CARB:

- Carbon Tax. This is a much more transparent approach to pricing
carbon. Also, it creates a steady multi-year revenue stream for the
state, which can use it to close the budget gap, re-fund our public
transportation systems, schools, and social services, and invest in
green energy and climate adaptation.

- Regulate specific pollution sources. We recognize a carbon tax
does not guarantee less emissions. That’s why we support combining
this policy with strict regulation of the biggest polluters, such
as oil refineries, making sure to clean up the environment for the
communities that live around them.

Thank you for your fair consideration of all perspectives in this
decision. We have asked our members to contact you on this issues
as well. We look forward to an even stronger AB 32 that truly
protects California's air for all communities and funds clean
energy solutions.

Sincerely,

Kirsten Schwind
Program Director

Bay Localize
436 14th St, Ste 1216
Oakland, CA 94612
510-834-0420
www.baylocalize.org