May 23 2014
As the California Air Resources Board (CARB) hears public comment Thursday on a far-reaching plan to meet the greenhouse gas reduction goals in the Golden State's clean energy law (AB 32), business groups are calling on lawmakers to make more definitive plans beyond 2020.
The business leaders say formally extending AB 32 will provide certainty and market signals, while guiding high-stakes energy investment decisions they have to make now.
The following joint statement was signed and offered into the official record of the Air Resources Board by the state's leading business and industry groups, representing hundreds of companies around the state and tens of thousands of workers from every sector in the state's economy:
"With our economy beginning to grow again – outpacing growth in other states – we have the opportunity to reinvent our energy system to one powered by technological innovations, greater efficiency, more competition and advanced renewable resources. The state's pioneering clean energy and climate law (AB 32) is driving our clean energy revolution, and business knows best how to adapt, be competitive, plan ahead and turn a profit.
"California business leaders wholeheartedly support efforts to champion a rapid transition to a clean energy economy. The First Update to the AB 32 Scoping Plan is a promising strategic plan for weaning our economy from expensive fossil fuels, putting a price on efficiency, and developing creative programs to accelerate the adoption of clean fuels, clean vehicles and renewable energy sources.
"But we must do more to lay the groundwork for AB 32's next chapter. California's landmark climate change law clearly takes us through 2020, but we believe the state should plan for well beyond that timeframe. Our members and partners are making energy investment decisions now, and need to know what scientists say is necessary and what economists and technological experts think is feasible."
Signed by:
Susan Frank, Director, California Business Alliance for a Green Economy
Dan Adler, Managing Director, CalCEF
Jason Anderson, President, CleanTECH San Diego
John Boesel, President and CEO, CALSTART
Ruben Guerra, Chairman and CEO, Latin Business Association
Scott Hauge, President, Small Business California
Mike Mielke, VP for Environmental Programs & Policy, Silicon Valley Leadership Group
Nancy Pfund, Managing Partner, DBL Investors
Nancy Rader, Executive Director, California Wind Energy Association
Leonard E. Robinson, Host of "Going Green with EnviroBro," featured on the California Black Chamber of Commerce's 97.5 FM KDEE
On Thursday, members of the California Air Resources Board will consider the First Update to the AB 32 Scoping Plan, required by statute to be updated every five years. To schedule an interview with one of these business leaders, please contact BreAnda Northcutt at [email protected] or (916) 712-4981.