First Name | Paul |
---|---|
Last Name | Dolan |
Email Address | pauld@mendocinowineco.com |
Affiliation | Winery |
Subject | AB32 Scoping Plan comments- in favor |
Comment | November 18, 2008 Honorable Mary Nichols Chair, California Air Resource Board 1001 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: AB32 Scoping Plan comments Dear Chair Nichols and Honorable members of the Board, Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Proposed AB32 Scoping Plan. On behalf of company Mendocino Wine Company, I am writing in support of the Scoping Plan. I believe that California must continue its leadership on climate action and support the adoption of robust climate policy that takes into account our input below. As a family owned and operated company, we are especially interested in how California will address the challenges climate change poses. Our actions are altering the balance of nature, and we are watching the world change before our very eyes. Fish populations are in serious decline, our rainforests are disappearing and the planet’s topsoil is being eroded and lost. The impact of global warming and its effects on our climate are being felt worldwide, from the hottest summers on record to melting polar ice caps. As a key California agricultural industry we are uniquely vulnerable to the effects of global warming. Winemakers are experiencing impacts that are changing the face of wine style, structure and composition. I can remember as a young winemaker, thirty years ago, struggling to reach maturity in my grapes of 23.5 to 24º Brix. Now I have a similar challenge to keep the sugars below 28-29º Brix each year while waiting for the tannins to ripen. The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has reported that rising temperatures and volatile weather patterns associated with global warming could result in an 81% reduction of viable grape production acreage for high to premium quality wine. The future of California’s multi-billion dollar wine industry is now in question. It is my belief that AB 32 will help California steer clear of the devastation global warming could bring to our state. Legislation encouraging efficiency helps conserve resources and create opportunities for new industry. As a small business, I believe AB 32 will help us compete in a low carbon economy, by reducing our energy costs, ensuring our water supply, reward us for the voluntary early actions we have already taken, as well as providing the tools, incentives and support we need to implement further efficiency improvements at our facility. Here at Mendocino Wine Co, we have taken a stand. We are doing the right things to create quality wines and a healthier planet. By making wine from locally farmed grapes, using sustainable farming practices, utilizing 100% green power and employing earth-friendly packaging, our family-owned and operated company is creating a model of quality and environmental sustainability for other wineries to follow. In recognition of our status as the nation’s first carbon neutral winery and our continuing dedication to social responsibility and environmentally sound practices, we received California’s highest environmental award, the Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award in 2007. By establishing a strong regulatory framework for emissions reductions, the State also has the opportunity to lead the nation and set an example for other regions around the world. Thank you for your consideration of our remarks and for your work on this comprehensive plan. We look forward to continuing to be involved in the AB32 process. Sincerely, Paul Dolan Owner Mendocino Wine Company |
Attachment | www.arb.ca.gov/lists/scopingpln08/559-ab32_draft_testimony_11_13_08__2_.doc |
Original File Name | AB32 Draft Testimony 11_13_08 (2).doc |
Date and Time Comment Was Submitted | 2008-11-18 15:23:56 |
If you have any questions or comments please contact Clerk of the Board at (916) 322-5594.