First Name | Jake |
---|---|
Last Name | Mackenzie |
Email Address | blumacjazz@aol.com |
Affiliation | Mayor ,City of Rohnert Park |
Subject | Comment from Progressive members of the LCC's Environmental Quality Committee |
Comment | Dear Members of the Board, We are communicating with you in our role as progressive members of the League of CA Cities Environmental Quality Committee. We believe that the economic and environmental challenges faced by our cities today call for bold and innovative leadership. While some of our cities are hesitant to address the new challenges poised by climate change, many others feel compelled to take action in their communities. Those of us on the front lines are very much in need of assistance and support from the State. We request that CARB increase the share of greenhouse gas reductions allocated to regional governments from 5 to 11 to 14 MMT. This request is based on a recent scientific analysis by Dr. Reid Ewing and Dr. Arthur C. Nelson which shows that these reductions are achievable with policies California is already contemplating. By setting a higher target, CARB can signal that the land use/transportation sector is a priority. The higher target will ensure that regional agencies, cities and counties will aim high in ther efforts to reduce greenhouse gases from vehicle emissions. Coupled with the essential financial resources, technical assistance and other support from federal, state and private resources, these local governments will be positioned for success and continued leadership in this global fight against climate change. On the other hand, a low target below what scientific analysis shows can be achieved, will send the opposite signal, indicating that land use/transportation is not a priority and will not receive a commensurate share of resources. While we feel that every local government should address the dire circumstances we are facing today, we are not asking that you support a mandate for local governments to act. SB 375 very clearly exempts our cities and counties from any regulatory requirements. As Chair of the League of California Cities' Environmental Quality Committee, Vice Chair of the Local Government Commission, and a leader in addressing climate change in my region, I have been asked to participate in the 14th International United Nations Climate Change Conference. I hope to be able to report that our cities are being asked to continue playing a key role in our State's climate change policy efforts. As you know, the world is watching California and its local governments: expecting us to provide inspiration and a model for others to follow. This is an opportunity and a responsibility of monumental importance. Please help us by assigning local and regional Governments a significant role in achieving the goals of AB 32. My colleagues and I will not let you down. Respectfully yours, Jake Mackenzie, Mayor, City of Rohnert Park Jean Quan, President Pro-tem, City of Oakland Jon Harrison, Mayor, City of Redlands Maggie Houlihan, Councilmember, City of Encinitas Tom Butt, Councilmember, City of Richmond |
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Date and Time Comment Was Submitted | 2008-12-05 06:44:21 |
If you have any questions or comments please contact Clerk of the Board at (916) 322-5594.