Comment Log Display

Dear California Air Resource Board members,

	As a student of Environmental Studies I would like to take this
opportunity and comment on the effort of the Proposed AB 32 Scoping
Plan to address the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in
California, especially when we have been lacking a serious action
on a national level.
	The most important point, that I believe has been made throughout
the proposal, is the collaboration of all spheres of our
society-from large industries to small businesses, from state to
local governments and public.  But the most important development
has been addressing environmental justice issues and including
low-income families that could participate in the new sustainable
economy.
	However, I believe more stress and pressure should be put on
individual actions. We as individuals, until now called consumers,
should start addressing ourselves as citizens and be held more
responsible for the state of our environment because we have been
taking advantage of all the comforts that the present course of
economy and extraction of resources have offered us.  Participation
of people as customers has been mentioned in the plan in connection
with energy efficiency and conservation of energy, recycling
programs and a choice of vehicles.  But the participation should be
made mandatory, and we should not be afraid to apply regulations
and limits to individual actions.  If we want industries to apply
new standards and limitations and understand reasons behind this
course of action then we have to let them know that we understand
why it is necessary, and that we will support their effort while
participating in the process.
	I believe cities present a great opportunity for comprehensive
approach to addressing the reduction of greenhouse gases and
individual actions.  Senate Bill 375 offers a great start by
changing transportation patterns in the cities.   Those would
include change in the land use and infrastructure patterns,
addressing housing needs and jobs for all income levels in the
society while creating communities of people who care not just for
their comfort but understand that by sacrificing some of their
comfortable lifestyles and adjusting their way of life they will
ensure the prosperity of the whole community and the city.  This
would lead to protection of the environment and contribution to
increase in health and quality of life.
	I agree that more information and access to alternative resources
is needed in order to achieve change but unless people are made
responsible, even if through regulations, and actively engage in
less travel, smaller dwellings, less energy and water use I do not
believe overall change will be possible.
	
Thank you for your time and this opportunity,
Monika Nakadate