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I urge the CARB Board to adopt a strong global warming scoping
plan for California to both slow global warming and achieve
immediate reductions in smog and other dangerous air pollutants
that cause illness and death.

Communities throughout California are already facing a public
health crisis from air pollution, experiencing 18,000 premature
deaths yearly, 350,000 asthma attacks, over 4 million missed school
days from children suffering asthma attacks or other respiratory
problems, thousands of hospitalizations and emergency room visits,
and stunted lung development in children.  The elderly, infants and
children, individuals suffering from chronic disease and low
income-communities are most at risk for these health hazards.

I urge the California  Air Resources Board  to adopt a strong plan
to combat global warming in California and to set the standard for
national and international action. I also urge the state air board
to include a stronger focus on measures to reduce emissions from
driving  that contribute the largest percentage of greenhouse gases
 in California. A phased in carbon tax with an offsetting reduction
in income taxes should be given serious consideration.  We have
seen that increased gasoline prices brought about a reduction in
VMT with a concomitant drop in carbon dioxide emissions from
driving in California.  

The plan should include a much more aggressive statewide goal for
reducing vehicle trips and measures to promote progressive action
by local governments.  The plan should also include a strong goal
and additional regulatory measures for reducing pollution from
industrial sources such as petroleum refineries and cement
manufacturing facilities.

In addition, the plan must demonstrate that the variety of
proposed measures will  not only make rapid progress toward
reducing greenhouse gases, but will also  provide local benefits to
vulnerable individuals and communities and assist with adaptation
to the negative effects of global warming.

Thank you for your consideration of my concerns to strengthen
these key strategies in the AB 32 draft scoping plan.