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SB-Cal AB32 Testimony to CARB – April 25th, 2013
The language in section 38565 of the AB32 legislation states:

 The state board shall ensure that the greenhouse gas emission
reduction rules, regulations, programs, mechanisms, and incentives
under its jurisdiction, where applicable and to the extent
feasible, direct public and private investment toward the most
disadvantaged communities in California and provide an opportunity
for small businesses, schools, affordable housing associations, and
other community institutions to participate in and benefit from
statewide efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Especially in zip code areas designated as disadvantaged
communities, small businesses are a vital and hard to reach part of
the population regarding energy efficiency investments. There is no
reference to small businesses in the Draft Cap & Trade Investment
Plan.  While investments in some sections may benefit California
small businesses, the sections addressing energy efficiency in
disadvantaged communities, in particular, should specifically
include small businesses. We request two language revisions to add
the inclusion of small businesses in the following parts of the
document:

Page 28:

In addition, the recommended energy investments offer significant
opportunities to provide jobs and to be located in disadvantaged
communities (e.g., residential areas, small businesses and local
public buildings). Other key advantages include reduced energy
costs for consumers, energy independence/diversity, reduced
criteria pollutants, and consistency with Scoping Plan priorities.

Appendix B-8
At a minimum, 10% of the funds could be set aside for projects
located in disadvantaged communities. In addition, financing
mechanisms could be structured to provide different credit support
levels to encourage lending to homeowners and small businesses in
disadvantaged communities. 

Respectfully Submitted, 

Scott Hauge
President, Small Business California 
2311 Taraval Street
San Francisco, CA  94116
Phone:  (415) 680-2188
shauge@smallbusinesscalifornia.org