Comment Log Display

CARB and all climate and energy related government authorities need
to focus with all of the policies, strategies and programs that
will get us to zero greenhouse gas emissions no later than 2045. As
of 2017, the US Energy Information Agency data show that
California's energy use was met about 45% from oil (mainly for
transportation) and 28% from natural gas. Because of the mention by
IPCC of 2050 as a target year so as to keep global average
temperature rise below 1.5 Celsius, in remarks below I will address
what I think we need to do by 2050, at the latest.
1. California needs a phased and time bound program to replace its
natural gas power plants with solar plus battery power plants,
keeping in mind hydrogen electrical power generation to produce the
base load and late afternoon electric power needs.
2. Our state needs to develop solar electric service stations and
highways that also produce and/or supply green hydrogen (made from
renewable energy) for fuel cell vehicles.
3. Our state needs to have systematic plan to phase out all of the
approximately 31 million fossil fuel vehicles (as of 2010) with
zero emission vehicles by 2050. Relying on just electric vehicle
sales and the ceasing of the sale of fossil fuel vehicles is not
enough.
4. With its Silicon Valley leadership in the rear view mirror,
California needs to encourage and implement a systematic effort
(with federal help) to undertake the RDD&D (Reserch, Development,
Demonstration and Deployment of Green Hydrogen - lower cost
production from renewable energy (mainly solar PV), transport and
large scale storage and end uses (fuel cells, internal combustion
engines and gas turbines - as well as replacing use of natural gas
and oil in industrial processes) of gReen Hydrogen. 
5. With large scale use of natural gas still prevalent, the state
needs to pursue electrification of all residential, commercial and
industrial establishments - not only for new construction, but for
all existing units through systematic retro-fits.
6. It needs to meet the expanded electrical energy needs that
results from this expanded electrification, through rooftop solar,
distributed in front of the meter solar and local and community
micro-grids (also the latter to enhance resilience in the gas eof
power failures of the main grid), and to minimize Transmission
Access Charges and costs.
7. In order that wildfires do not continue to be net carbon
emitters, California needs a Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) strategy
of minimizing the severity fo wildfires in older as well as newly
reforested areas, and to minimize the high level of air pollution
through smoke that results.
8. Our entire coast already has many marine sanctuaries, bt much
can be done to expand the coastal ecosystems by introducing fresh
newly planted sea grasses (like the ell grass at Point Molate in
the SF Bay Area), salt marshes and mangrove swamps, in cooperation
with the Coastal Commission and local fishery organizations. 
9. Instead of its reliance on higher cost mass transit and high
speed rail systems that cost much more and which would require
larger public subsidies, California should focus on developing a
network of low, medium and high speed rail interlinked systems of
the type that CyberTran International is advocating, that are more
flexible, low cost, and renewable energy based. Diesel fuel based
transportation systems, where planned, should be cancelled. 
10. Our state needs to take care of its fossil fuel workers that
may lose their jobs in this transition, by engaging in a green
renewable energy based re-industrialization strategy that creates
plenty of businesses and jobs, not only for them, but also for our
disadvantaged communities and those at the lower rungs of the
economic ladder. We also need the existing fossil fuel companies to
start putting aside funds in Escrow accounts that are for
environmental remediation of closed or abandoned fossil fuel
related sights (whether wells or refineries).
11. Cap & Trade rules and allowances need to be tightened so that
the emissions receptions from ALL covered organizations and
companies are achieved significantly.
12. CARB should coordinate with CEC, CPUC and CAISO to make sure
that all organizations have a joint strategy and have ALL of their
focus, including those of the Investor Owned Utilities, are totally
aligned with meeting California's goal to be Carbon Neutral by
2045.
I have attached a comprehensive proposed Energy, Clmate & Ecosystem
strategy as described in my book, "Brighter Climate Futures" for
California.
I hope that CARB takes the the benefit of my suggestions as it
develops the next Scoping Plan for California. I stand ready to
present to CARB if you so desire it.