Comment Log Display

Chairman Nichols and Members of the Board:

I am taking time out of a very busy schedule to comment on this
measure because my family is experiencing a sharp decline in
respiratory health this fall and I can't help wondering if Mayor
Villaraigosa's relaxed policies towards our local polluters is
having some concrete effect.  Both my husband and 4-year-old son
have made visits to the ER this fall for first-time, asthma-related
illnesses.  We have been an otherwise very healthy household until
now and very, very worried about staying in Los Angeles at this
point.  Below, I am copying remarks from a local advocacy group who
called my attention to this matter.  I agree wholeheartedly with
these comments but add that my main concern is public health.

I am excited to see that CARB is moving forward on implementing the
Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32). As the overwhelming defeat of
Prop 23 this last November showed us, the public is ready for
government to take the necessary steps to reduce our contributions
to climate change.

While I agree with many of the steps outlined in the AB 32 Scoping
Plan, I am concerned and disappointed by the details of the cap and
trade component. By giving away the vast majority of pollution
allowances, your proposal would financially reward the biggest
polluters. This provides a clear disincentive for polluting
businesses to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, and therefore,
would weaken the impact of California’s landmark climate bill.

Please take advantage of the favorable public climate that
California currently enjoys around addressing climate change and
implementing AB 32 by taking much-needed bold actions and removing
the massive allowance giveaways outlined in the current rules.
Thank you.

Debbie Richmond