Comment Log Display

The section on "Climate Science" be strengthened and include: the
unprecedented Arctic warming that is driving accelerated sea level
rise, and a discussion of how the lower future emissions scenarios
are also associated with fewer climate impacts to inform the
importance of the climate mitigation choices we face today so as to
avoid the most serious impacts by the end of this century.
The section on the water-energy nexus be supported, including
implementing the registry for greenhouse gas emissions from the
water sector under SB 1425; reducing the carbon footprint of water
systems and water uses; and advancing water conservation and
management strategies that are both water and energy efficient to
meet California's, water, safety, health, environment, and economic
needs.
CARB consider additional renewable procurement beyond what's
required by the current Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and
explore this option for load-serving entities (LSEs) through the
Integrated Resources Plan process. Meeting the 50 percent RPS under
SB 350—and even exceeding it—is achievable and feasible for many
LSEs and will be important for maximizing the emission reducing
potential of switching from gasoline-powered to electric vehicles
(EVs) as more EVs are brought onto the grid.
The state initiate action to reduce natural gas use in homes and
businesses beyond what would be reduced through energy efficiency
programs by accelerating the electrification of buildings' air and
water heating and cooling systems, given that natural gas use in
buildings represents 9 percent of the state's total carbon
emissions.
The final scoping plan be updated to reflect the recent midterm
review of the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Program, indicating that
ZEV sales for 2025 will fall short of targets, and, therefore,
include a commitment to additional measures needed to stay on track
to 2025 and the ultimate goal of 4 million EVs by 2030.
A near-term action be included to evaluate self-driving car
technologies, their climate impacts, and policy options—in
collaboration with Department of Motor Vehicles and California
Energy Commission—to identify: (1) strategies to pair self-driving
technology with EVs and ride-sharing and (2) policies and
strategies to prevent negative climate outcomes from potential
increased vehicle miles traveled from self-driving cars. Studies
indicate both enormous potential and risks of self-driving
vehicles: they could help reduce vehicle emissions by nearly 50
percent or nearly double them.
Much stronger targets for electrifying heavy-duty vehicles be
adopted, including the last mile delivery rule and drayage trucks,
greater freight efficiency, and a more ambitious target for zero
emission freight vehicles and equipment by 2030. For example,
electric transit buses powered by today's grid in California are
more than 70 percent lower lifecycle emissions than the newest
diesel or natural gas buses.
California continue to utilize a price on carbon as one important
tool in the suite of policies the state relies on to cut global
warming emissions. Regardless of the exact approach (e.g.,
extending the cap-and-trade program, adopting a carbon tax or other
design), the state's carbon pricing program should be designed to
benefit communities most burdened by pollution. Moreover, the draft
2030 Scoping Plan should reduce emissions in ways that improve
public health such as the direct refinery emissions reductions,
among others.