First Name | Jim |
---|---|
Last Name | Costello |
Email Address | info@tcchamber.com |
Affiliation | |
Subject | Comment on Scoping Plan |
Comment | November 18, 2008 Mary Nichols Chair, California Air Resources Board 1001 I Street P.O. Box 2815 Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce Comments on Air Resources Board Proposed Scoping Plan Dear Chair Nichols: On behalf of the Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce, thank you for the opportunity to comment on the California Air Resources Board’s (ARB) Proposed Scoping Plan (Scoping Plan). To begin with let it be clear that the Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce is not convinced that AB 32 is based on solid science. There are a large number of well-known scientists that say otherwise. Be that as it may, while the Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce is generally supportive of a number of programs and policies outlined in the Scoping Plan, it is crucial for state policymakers take account for the means that will be needed to achieve the goals. AB 32 requires that reductions in GHG emissions must achieve the maximum technologically feasible and cost effective reductions and for the ARB to “consider the cost-effectiveness of these regulations.” (HSC §38560) In addition, we believe that the Scoping Plan appropriately allow the SB 375 process to develop regional transportation-related GHG targets. Implementations of the regional planning processes in SB 375 are new and largely untested and could cost California companies untold millions. The 5 MMT figure, while a place holder, nevertheless sets an appropriate benchmark that helps assure that the state can achieve its overall 2020 goal.” As both the state and local governments are faced with critical budget shortages, additional costs to heavily invest in GHG emission technologies in the next 2 to 3 years will become more burdensome for businesses. The State of California has already made itself less competitive in the market place with unnecessary rules and restrictions. There is now an attempt to implement AB 32 with more regulations that will continue our decreasing competitiveness. Reality is that business and developers will only build projects that will be purchased by willing customers and that are profitable. In order to effect the desired change, incentives must be provided to the business and development communities and local agencies in order to encourage more development in areas where the reductions in GHG emissions will be the greatest. The Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce strongly encourages the ARB to consider these limitations as it moves forward with the Scoping Plan. Thank you again for the opportunity to comment. The Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce looks forward to increased business in California through reasonable implementation of a balanced cost-effective plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Sincerely, Jim Costello Chairman of the Board |
Attachment | |
Original File Name | |
Date and Time Comment Was Submitted | 2008-11-18 16:21:41 |
If you have any questions or comments please contact Clerk of the Board at (916) 322-5594.