Comment Log Display

I applaud the efforts of the ARB and appreciate the steps CA has
taken toward a responsible energy policy. The scoping plan put
forth by ARB has many great elements that will continue to move the
state toward reduced emissions. Unfortunately the scoping plan
misses the mark in its support of developing a California
cap-and-trade program. 

I urge the Board to consider a revenue-neutral carbon fee and
dividend, rather than the currently proposed cap-and-trade system.
We need action that will be effective immediately, and will be easy
and cheap to implement. A carbon fee will have much lower
implementation costs than cap-and-trade and will require less
oversight in the years following. I believe it will have the
additional advantage of being more effective at emissions
reductions as well. 

The scoping plan already includes a similar fee to what is being
suggested in the High Global Warming Potential Mitigation Fee. This
measure will help better reflect, in their cost, the impact of
otherwise relatively inexpensive but harmful chemicals. Carbon
emissions could easily be treated in this same manner, as a
chemical whose true costs are not currently being included in its
cost to consumers. A carbon fee would help to accurately price
carbon by acknowledging its climate change potential. By including
a revenue neutral dividend that is directly returned to the people
of California, there is no increased financial burden by the
increased cost of energy. 
  
A revenue-neutral carbon fee and dividend will help us quickly,
fairly and simply achieve our goal of reducing greenhouse gas
emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. 

Thank you,
Emily Bockmon