Comment Log Display

The Sonoma County Transportation and Land-use Coalition appreciates
this opportunity to comment on the appropriate investment of Cap
and Trade auction proceeds.  It is important for these proceeds not
only to be distributed promptly and efficiently, but for the wisdom
of the distribution methods to be readily understood as fair and
reasonable by those most affected.  The rising costs of energy must
not only be foreseeable, but balanced by an equitable return of
auction proceeds to enable timely responses by all energy
consumers.
 
It is particularly important that transit agencies have adequate
funding to steadily increase service for more compact communities. 
A broad range of investments in the transportation sector will be
needed as it enters the program in 2015, including a large increase
in the EV recharging network.
 
Businesses, individuals, and public entities must not only be given
price signals that encourage conservation of energy; all sectors of
the economy must have the wherewithal to make investments that
respond to those signals.  These investments may include building
retrofits such as weather-stripping, sealing of air leaks,
insulation upgrades, energy-efficient equipment, appliances, and
HVAC, as well as acquisition of vehicles that use little or no
gasoline.  Some may want to relocate from suburbs to more compact,
walkable places.  The proposed electricity sector rebates will
compensate consumers for only a few of those additional costs, as
there will be indirect costs from other goods and services. 
 
In fact, the effects of higher energy costs are so broadly
distributed through the economy that it makes sense to have a large
part of the cap and trade investment program consist of a direct
per capita dividend to the consumer.  Such a method will
efficiently accomplish the AB32 goals relating to equity, and
maximize additional environmental, economic, and overall societal
benefits.
 
It may also be desirable to have an additional dividend to
residents in disadvantaged communities. Such individuals might be
more strongly impacted by rising energy costs than the general
population. These communities should be studied in the planning
process to see whether dividends or public investments are likely
to be the most efficient and effective.