Comment Log Display

Dear Chairman Sawyer & Members of CARP:

The proposed AB 32 Early Action Measures do not sufficiently
address the urgency of the global warming crisis.  The latest
analysis published in the Proceedings of the US National Academy
of Sciences shows the observed data on CO2 emissions is increasing
at a rate 50% higher than the worst-case scenario considered by the
UN IPCC.  This means that to avoid disastrous consequences, the
reductions in CO2 emissions must be much more rapid and more
drastic than anticipated. 

The whole world is watching the Air Board to see whether it is
willing to take enforceable steps now to implement California's
historic global warming law in light of these latest scientific
findings.  I urge the Board, specifically, to adopt early action
measures to:
- Reduce diesel emissions from heavy-duty trucks;
- Require ports to provide shore-side electrification to vessels;
- Require cement factories to use energy more efficiently.
- Provide Firm Deadlines and Commitments for Measures Contained in
Tables 2 & 3

These measures will both reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
protect public health by reducing toxic air pollution.

The quality of our air is not an issue that can be finessed with
small incremental steps.  There is a healthy consensus amongst
climate scientists that if we don’t start changing the way we do
things within 20 years, it will be too late to prevent climate
alteration.  In short, the world’s sinkholes that absorb CO2
emissions are simply filling up.  For those that claim “we are in
a natural climate cycle change,” I say LOOK AT THE MODELS!  This
is not a political issue.  This is a mental health issue.  If you
want a picture of what a world with unremittingly bad air looks
like, read the article on the front page of today’s (6/18/07) Los
Angeles Times titled, “Lead exposure in Peru raises concern.”

I believe we underestimate our citizens’ adaptability and desire
for change by claiming that we cannot expect people to adopt a
different lifestyle in the face of such real threats. 

Now is the time to legislate change. In closing, I leave you with
the words of Edmund Burke, a member of British parliament: 

Your representative owes you, not his industry only, but his
judgment; and he betrays instead of serving you if he sacrifices
it to your opinion.

When the leaders choose to make themselves bidders at an auction
of popularity, their talents, in the construction of the state,
will be of no service.


Sincerely, 

Melonie Magruder