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Comment 59 for EJAC Community Meeting Comments (ejac-comm-mtgs-ws) - 1st Workshop.
First Name: Ed
Last Name: Ward
Email Address: warde@scfuels.com
Affiliation: CIOMA
Subject: Response to Environmental Justice Comments
Comment:
Response to Concerns from Environmental Justice Comments 8/12/16 My name is Ed Ward, I am Northern regional environmental health and safety manager for SC Fuels. SC Fuels provides fuel and oil to customers and municipalities throughout all of California. I am writing because of concerns that the collection of comments and issues in the recent Environmental Justice Advisory Committee community meetings may not represent all viewpoints. Since SC Fuels provides essential services to my community and many others, I want to make sure there is a balance in comments being developed in and through this process. A major concern is that policies and regulations developed under the larger “AB 32”umbrella have created costs for fuel consumers and that those costs impact the disadvantaged communities especially hard. Right now gasoline consumers are paying about 10˘/gallon in Cap & Trade assessments. Although we are enjoying relatively low fuel costs due to low crude oil pricing, Californians pay, typically 50˘ - $1/gallon higher than the national average. This hits consumers with limited discretionary spending harder. In addition, some programs such as the Low Carbon Fuel Standard may in the near future interfere with reliable supply of fuel to my customers, and have additional price impact. The disadvantaged being the most impacted. The independent fuel marketers spend significant dollars on reduction of air pollution. Examples are the purchase of new, expensive diesel tractors that meet tough air quality standards. We also provide state-of-the-art emission controls on fueling dispensers and fuel delivery systems. We provide quality employment and wages that generate a substantial tax base throughout California. Environmental legacy is critically important to us. We want out families and generations to come to be able to enjoy clean air and water. So we do not shy away from our responsibilities in making this state a better place to live. AB 32 has had some good results regarding our air quality. Unfortunately no studies have been done to validate what has been accomplished. Without having scientific data regarding air quality reductions, there is a tidal wave of new air quality indicatives looming that will put additional economic strain on those disadvantaged families. To be successful in the future and to develop a strong environmental legacy, we are going need a reliable fuel supply, at competitive prices. The state greenhouse gas regulations need to better incorporate a balanced approach to further air quality while not impacting the disadvantaged community economically. AB 32 needs to be studied and accurate science will assist in making the best air quality decisions. Measured air technology and continuing economic improvement will allow all Californian’s to benefit from air quality initiatives. Ed Ward SC Fuels Northern regional EHS&S Manager 237 E Whitmore Ave Modesto, CA 95358 209 232-0919 Warde@scfuels.com
Attachment: www.arb.ca.gov/lists/com-attach/60-ejac-comm-mtgs-ws-U2tVfgMzUjNSeVRl.pdf
Original File Name: 8-12-16 Environmental Justice Letter Signed.pdf
Date and Time Comment Was Submitted: 2016-08-12 13:29:03
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