Posted by BOE Member George Runner at 10:53 am on Aug 18, 2016 Comments Off on Let’s Pump the Brakes on Cap-and-Trade
In 2006, elected officials gave the California Air Resources
Board (CARB) virtually unchecked authority to implement AB 32,
which aims to reduce carbon emissions to 1990 levels by the year
2020. The legislation, including the controversial cap-and-trade
program, expires in four years.
Some lawmakers have already introduced legislation, such as SB
32, to extend CARB’s authority. However, instead of rushing to
renew this controversial and expensive program, we should slow down
and come up with a more affordable solution that benefits all of
California.
Cap-and-trade limits carbon emissions by energy producers and
raises money through the sale of carbon credits. It’s supposed to
fight global warming by making it more expensive to use
carbon-based fuels. But that’s not the only thing it does.
It turns out the program has made life more expensive for
Californians as well.
Since being given the authority, CARB has implemented a steady
stream of costly regulations, such as the “hidden gas tax.” Experts
agree that this hidden tax costs California drivers at least 10
cents more in added cost per gallon of gasoline. They also
acknowledge CARB’s… Read More