Comment Log Display

Dear CARB Board members:

I so appreciate your efforts to find a solution to the most
pressing issue of our time...climate change.  However, I would
implore you to implement the type of program that would result in
the most actual reduction in GHG emissions.  Truly, I believe a
carbon tax would be much more effective than a Cap-and-Trade
program since a Cap-and-Trade program allows for companies to
continue to pollute here, even if they are buying clean energy
offsets elsewhere.  But, if you insist on putting a Cap-and-trade
program in place, I would ask that you do it in the most
responsible way.  Here are some key things I hope you will
consider:

  - Please auction off all emission allowances. Program revenues
should go toward GHG reduction programs, such as clean
technologies, green jobs, and aid for low-income consumers and
small businesses to reduce their utility bills.
  - Please work to reduce the role of offsets in the Plan.
Providing too many offsets encourages continuing emissions in
low-income neighborhoods and in defenseless habitats, and weakens
the demand for clean energy technology innovation. Limiting offsets
will create more clean-energy jobs, stimulating our state's
economy.
  - Please increase the targets for local governments to reduce
emissions caused by poorly planned growth that drives up vehicle
miles traveled.
  - Please require businesses to recycle their materials.

  We have a chance to make California even better as we address
one of the worst crises our planet has ever faced. Strong CARB
policies will help our state's residents realize some of the
benefits we will receive by taking on global warming pollution:
reduced air pollution, more clean-energy jobs, less waste and
healthier communities.
   
  Thanks again for your work on behalf of clean air for
California.

Melissa Maigler