When the Legislature returns in next Monday, our Senators and Assemblymembers should think carefully when considering another climate change bill, namely SB 32. They rejected the bill last year and many organizations continue to oppose the bill this year, for good reason. There has been no meaningful engagement with stakeholders to develop legislation that would address problems with the suite of AB 32 programs that the bill intends to extend and expand for another ten years.
SB 32 is following a completely different process than AB 8, a law passed in 2013. AB 8 authorized funding for clean air and clean vehicle programs such as the Carl Moyer program, which is designed to reduce diesel emissions like particulate matter and has proven clean air results. This is in contrast to how AB 32 funded projects are not required to demonstrate they are achieving their intended results. A bipartisan group of legislators backed AB 8 to improve air quality for all California residents. While the bill did not receive unanimous support, the collaborative process resulted in a two-thirds vote in both houses of the legislature.
In contrast, SB 32 lacks the broad support we need for a comprehensive solution. In its current form, the bill does not address structural problems with California’s climate program. It does not resolve cap-and-trade market uncertainties, it lacks adequate legislative oversight and accountability and it unnecessarily exposes California consumers and businesses to much higher energy and fuel costs. To produce a program that will serve California well, the Administration and the Legislature must embrace the collaborative approach that resulted in the successful passage of AB 8 in order to advance our climate goals.
It is time to develop California climate policy that will begin after 2020. Organizations opposing SB 32 are ready to engage in the conversation. Many important issues connected to our choice of climate policies may be included in the discussion, such as transportation infrastructure, growth of high quality manufacturing jobs and availability of affordable housing. Bringing everyone together to identify the best path forward is what California residents deserve.
Dorothy Rothrock is president of the California Manufacturers and Technology Association and can be contacted at drothrock@cmta.net.