Comment Log Display

Thank you for the efforts to keep California one of best leaders in
the world.  I am proud to be a part of this state!

After reading the scoping plan I have a few additional thoughts:

1.	Vehicle Speeds – Please not the additional pollution
contributed to cars traveling above posted speed limits. Much of
the Scoping Plan framework describes broad long term plans.  
There are a few things we can do in the immediate future that will
have compound benefits over the next 42 years.   From my
observation less than 10% of vehicles on an open road will drive
within the speed limit.   I proposed the Scoping Plan address the
benefits of reduced emissions if the speed limit was strictly
enforced over the next 42 years.   Proposed implementation could
consist of a sub department of the CHP, on a trial until 2020,
which is self funded by the fees raised by speeding violation
citations. In addition, 100mph maximum speed limits set by onboard
computers on all private vehicles.  My preference would be to go as
far as lowing a freeway speed limit for single occupancy vehicles
to 55 mph, however I doubt that is politically feasible. 

2.	Local Government Land Use – I did not see any mention in the
Draft Scoping Plan pertaining to local government land use
patterns that are contributing to un-stainable development types. 
 Having lost my fait in most local government official to behave in
an honest and productive manner that best serves the public
citizens in a sustainable manner would go as far as to recommend
that there be a 12 year ban on “green fill” (agricultural and land
with natural ecosystems helping to clean our air quality)
development until 2020 where we can re-evaluate the climate
situation.  I hope the Scoping Plan can at least acknowledge a
link towards local government development patters and
contributions to vehicle miles traveled and un-sustainable use of
California’s limited resources.  Developers and still make money
and people can still have job through infill development using
existing public infrastructure.

3.	Concerns from the Private Business Sector –I support the
economic finding made this far in the Scoping Plan.  I would like
to refute all concerns by private business claiming increased
restrictions will hinder the economy and add excessive cost. 
Every time a dollar changes hands it has more value to the
California economy, and the longer the dollar says in California
the more value it has.  Every extra dollar spent, when done right,
simply adds more purchasing power to more people.  If a business
has to spend more on energy, but dollar goes towards an entire new
industry then it will be best for everyone in California.  I hope
everyone can this of this as our next “trend” like the “Dot Com”
silicone valley compute trend that brought some of the best years
of economic growth California has ever seen.  Protecting our
natural resources and simultaneously keep California safe and
beautiful and also create the next great economic trend providing
a plethora of job and sustainable infrastructure. 

4.	For those critical of these efforts please think back 42 years
to 1966 and imagine what our state has accomplished in that time
and now imagine what amazing things we can do in the next 42
years. 

Thank you for your time
-Elia Bassin
Citizen (Rancher, City Planner, Forest Firefighter…)

Original File Name:

Date and Time Comment Was Submitted: 2008-07-18 16:53:44