AB 32 Cosponsor Says CARB Draft Implementation Plan is

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                   
Derek Walker, (410) 980-0939-c, dbwalker@edf.org           
Sean Crowley, (202) 202-550-6524-c, scrowley@edf.org
 
(Sacramento, CA – June 26, 2008)  The release today of the draft scoping plan by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to implement The Global Warming Solution Act “is a great step forward,” according to a cosponsor of the groundbreaking law, Environmental Defense Fund. 
 
“The Board’s pioneering work, combined with the constructive input of the California state legislature and many diverse stakeholders, will ensure that California becomes the first state in the United States to enact and enforce an economy-wide cap on global warming pollution,” said Derek Walker, Director of the California Climate Initiative at Environmental Defense Fund. “The draft scoping plan presents a wide array of tools at California’s disposal to meet the law’s goals. The plan includes a robust, innovative combination of market-based mechanisms and traditional regulatory policies. Between now and the Board’s final approval in November, we look forward to working with CARB and other stakeholders to expand the recommendations to capture vital, cost-effective emissions reductions from all sectors of California’s economy.” 
 
The Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32) is the first statewide effort to cap greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors of California’s economy. It would set a firm cap that would ensure that California’s greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by 25% by the year 2020.
 
“The nations of the world will gather in Copenhagen in less than 18 months and endeavor to finalize a global climate treaty,” added Walker. “All parties are intently focused on the United States, the only major polluting country that didn’t ratify the current Kyoto Treaty, to determine what commitments our country will make to fight global warming.” 
 
Walker noted that a new poll released on Monday commissioned by the non-partisan nonprofit research organization Next 10 and conducted by Fairbanks, Maslin, Maullin & Associates shows nearly three out of four voters (73 percent) support state energy policies to reduce global warming pollution. Despite the weak economy, nearly six out of 10 voters (58 percent) support these energy policies even if they result in higher prices.
 
“California is the epicenter of domestic climate action now that federal climate legislation is on hold,” concluded Walker. “We have seized the opportunity for leadership on the issue of global warming and committed to historic action to combat its most harmful impacts. The world is watching; we cannot delay implementation of AB 32.”

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