Re: "Environmental Lobbying Group Accused of Misleading Tactics"

Editor:

Our remarks on behalf of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce were misconstrued in your article about the AB 32 Implementation Group.

The CHCC shares the goals of the Implementation Group and is confident they are compatible with those of the legislation itself. What is unclear is whether the Air Resources Board is following the letter of the law, which requires that AB 32-related policies be technologically feasible and cost-effective.

We have become increasingly alarmed over projections of billions of dollars in AB 32-related cost increases for fuel, utilities, building and equipment which CARB publicly admits will hurt small businesses and low-income families – sectors heavily populated by Hispanics, among whom unemployment is significantly higher than other groups.

AB 32 will fail if it achieves carbon reduction by reducing jobs and economic activity. The CHCC supports the Implementation Group’s efforts to protect both the environment AND jobs.

Sincerely,
James Duran
Legislative Action Chair

California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce

Orange County Register Blog
January 20, 2010

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