Comment Log Display

Response to Concerns from Environmental Justice Comments           
                                                          8/12/16

My name is Ed Ward, I am Northern regional environmental health and
safety manager for 
SC Fuels. SC Fuels provides fuel and oil to customers and
municipalities throughout all of California.  

I am writing because of concerns that the collection of comments
and issues in the recent Environmental Justice Advisory Committee
community meetings may not represent all viewpoints.  Since SC
Fuels provides essential services to my community and many others,
I want to make sure there is a balance in comments being developed
in and through this process.

A major concern is that policies and regulations developed under
the larger “AB 32”umbrella have created costs for fuel consumers
and that those costs impact the disadvantaged communities
especially hard.  Right now gasoline consumers are paying about
10˘/gallon in Cap & Trade assessments.  Although we are enjoying
relatively low fuel costs due to low crude oil pricing,
Californians pay, typically 50˘ - $1/gallon higher than the
national average.  This hits consumers with limited discretionary
spending harder.

In addition, some programs such as the Low Carbon Fuel Standard may
in the near future interfere with reliable supply of fuel to my
customers, and have additional price impact. The disadvantaged
being the most impacted.

The independent fuel marketers spend significant dollars on
reduction of air pollution.  Examples are the purchase of new,
expensive diesel tractors that meet tough air quality standards. 
We also provide state-of-the-art emission controls on fueling
dispensers and fuel delivery systems.  We provide quality
employment and wages that generate a substantial tax base
throughout California.

Environmental legacy is critically important to us. We want out
families and generations to come to be able to enjoy clean air and
water. So we do not shy away from our responsibilities in making
this state a better place to live.

AB 32 has had some good results regarding our air quality.
Unfortunately no studies have been done to validate what has been
accomplished. Without having scientific data regarding air quality
reductions, there is a tidal wave of new air quality indicatives
looming that will put additional economic strain on those
disadvantaged families. 

To be successful in the future and to develop a strong
environmental legacy, we are going need a reliable fuel supply, at
competitive prices.  The state greenhouse gas regulations need to
better incorporate a balanced approach to further air quality while
not impacting the disadvantaged community economically. AB 32 needs
to be studied and accurate science will assist in making the best
air quality decisions. Measured air technology and continuing
economic improvement will allow all Californian’s to benefit from
air quality initiatives. 

 

Ed Ward
SC Fuels
Northern regional EHS&S Manager
237 E Whitmore Ave
Modesto, CA 95358
209 232-0919
Warde@scfuels.com