Comment Log Display

December 10, 2008

California Air Resources Board
1001 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95812-2815

RE: Support for Proposed Scoping Plan

Chair Nichols and ARB Members:

Breathe California strongly supports the Proposed Scoping Plan,
which will protect public health by reducing greenhouse gas
emissions that are causing the temperature to rise and the climate
to change.  Increased temperatures increase the number and severity
of days with unhealthy exposure to ozone, causing asthma attacks
and respiratory disease.  

Cumulative Impacts and Public Health Role

We encourage the Board to implement policies that will provide for
a formal role for public health agencies to comment and inform the
decision-making process as proposed rules are developed.  While it
is critical to counter the adverse consequences of climate change,
it must be done in a way that does not harm the health of
communities already impacted by polluting sources.  

Strong Land Use Targets Needed

We urge the ARB to set a strong land use target in the range of 11
– 14 MMT.  This is based on a recent scientific analysis by Dr.
Reid Ewing and Dr. Arthur C. Nelson which shows that these
reductions are achievable with policies California is already
contemplating.  This higher target will need to be combined with a
commitment to support regions, local government, and transportation
agencies with the financial resources to achieve the target.  The
Proposed Scoping Plan indicates that carbon auction revenues from
transportation fuel are a potential source for this financial
support.  

Thank you for your continued leadership in protecting public
health.  

Sincerely,
 
Andy Katz