FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2010

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Governor lets California down, sides with oil lobby

Vetoed bill would provide climate change protections for vulnerable CA communities

Sacramento—Today the governor has let California down: Mr. Schwarzenegger vetoed AB 1405, the California Climate Change Community Benefits Fund. The bill is designed to protect and benefit Californians who are the most susceptible to, and least able to combat, the expected impacts of climate change.

AB 1405 aimed to establish a climate protection fund to direct a portion of the revenues generated from California’s Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32). In adopting AB 32, the state committed not only to leading the country in greenhouse gas reductions, but also to benefitting low-income and minority communities. Regulators have yet to fulfill that commitment, failing to provide resources for environmentally burdened communities to protect themselves from climate change on a local level.

“Without a Community Benefits Fund to supplement our climate law, we are putting Californians―especially those who already breathe the dirtiest air―at an even greater risk,” said Nidia Bautista, policy director at the Coalition for Clean Air.

In vetoing, Mr. Schwarzenegger stated he is confident that regulators will “continue the important work of fashioning market-based mechanisms that will reduce the burden on California’s business community while still achieving our climate change reduction goals.”

Proponents of AB 1405 expect to work with the incoming administration to ensure the promises of AB 32 are fulfilled and include protections for California’s vulnerable communities.

“This fight isn't over,” adds Bautista. “AB 32 is meant to protect every Californian's right to breathe clean air while helping with our global battle against climate change. We're going to make sure that happens."

AB 1405 is supported by a broad coalition of environmental, labor, community and business supporters―including the NAACP, Union of Concerned Scientists and the American Lung Association. The opposition included the California Independent Petroleum Association and Western States Petroleum Association.

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With offices in Sacramento, Los Angeles and Fresno, the Coalition for Clean Air has worked to restore healthy air and clear skies to California for nearly 40 years. We provide technical expertise, promote broad-based community involvement and advocate responsible public policy.