Cap & Build

As a cap-and-trade market twists in the wind, a San Joaquin Valley state senator is pushing a bill that could benefit economically disadvantaged communities that are the hotbed of the environmental justice movement. Environmental justice proponents are the key source of opposition to the California Air Resources Board’s market-based approach to greenhouse gas emissions. Under SB 143 authored by Senate Michael Rubio (D-East Bakersfield), the Air Board could grant carbon emissions offset credits to power generators, utilities, and other companies that invest in solar rooftops and energy efficiency retrofits, particularly in “the most disadvantaged communities in California.” Two key Senate committees have approved the bill. Leading Democrats, including Senator Fran Pavley (D-Santa Monica), one of the authors of the state’s climate change law, AB 32, back it. Rubio argues that the measure would create needed investment to generate jobs and tax revenue in California, in place of current Air Board cap-and-trade program provisions that allow companies to invest in offset projects anywhere in the world. According to Rubio, the offsets would be easier to verify. In addition, the bill has provisions to make sure resulting emissions reductions are not duplicative of those achieved under other programs, such as the California Solar Initiative. However, many environmental groups oppose the bill, questioning how double counting of carbon emissions reductions could be avoided. Environmental justice groups have not closed the door on Rubio’s proposal.

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