Comment Log Display

Dear Members of the Board,

We are communicating with you in our role as progressive members
of the League of CA Cities Environmental Quality Committee.

We believe that the economic and environmental challenges faced by
our cities today call for bold and innovative leadership. While
some of our cities are hesitant to address the new challenges
poised by climate change, many others feel compelled to take action
in their communities.  Those of us on the front lines are very much
in need of assistance and support from the State.

We request that CARB increase the share of greenhouse gas
reductions allocated to regional governments from 5 to 11 to 14
MMT. This request is based on a recent scientific analysis by Dr.
Reid Ewing and Dr. Arthur C. Nelson which shows that these
reductions are achievable with policies California is already
contemplating.

By setting a higher target, CARB can signal that the land
use/transportation sector is a priority. The higher target will
ensure that regional agencies, cities and counties will aim high in
ther efforts to reduce greenhouse gases from vehicle emissions.
Coupled with the essential financial resources, technical
assistance and other support from federal, state and private
resources, these local governments will be positioned for success
and continued leadership in this global fight against climate
change.  On the other hand, a low target below what scientific
analysis shows can be achieved, will send the opposite signal,
indicating that land use/transportation is not a priority and will
not receive a commensurate share of resources.

While we feel that every local government should address the dire
circumstances we are facing today, we are not asking that you
support a mandate for local governments to act.  SB 375 very
clearly exempts our cities and counties from any regulatory
requirements.

As Chair of the League of California Cities' Environmental Quality
Committee, Vice Chair of the Local Government Commission, and a
leader in addressing climate change in my region, I have been asked
to participate in the 14th International United Nations Climate
Change Conference.  I hope to be able to report that our cities are
being asked to continue playing a key role in our State's climate
change policy efforts.

As you know, the world is watching California and its local
governments: expecting us to provide inspiration and a model for
others to follow.  This is an opportunity and a responsibility of
monumental importance.  Please help us by assigning local and
regional Governments a significant role in achieving the goals of
AB 32. My colleagues and I will not let you down.

Respectfully yours,

Jake Mackenzie, Mayor, City of Rohnert Park
Jean Quan, President Pro-tem, City of Oakland  
Jon Harrison, Mayor, City of Redlands
Maggie Houlihan, Councilmember, City of Encinitas
Tom Butt, Councilmember, City of Richmond