(February 1, 2006) California Chamber of Commerce-opposed “job killer” legislation narrowly passed the Assembly this week, after already failing once in 2005.

AB 1430 (Goldberg; D- Los Angeles) limits job creation and may worsen the state’s air quality problems by making it increasingly difficult to implement emissions reduction programs, which provide balance between job growth and the environment.

In June 2005, the bill was originally defeated on a vote of 26-37 before the roll call was expunged from the record at the request of the bill’s author. At the author’s request, the bill was placed on the Assembly Inactive File. Last month, the author removed the bill from the inactive file.

The Chamber believes that these emissions reduction programs are essential for air districts to meet their state and Federal Clean Air Act obligations.  It is the success of emission reduction trading programs that has garnered such universal and broad based support.  The flexibility afforded by these programs is what allows them to succeed.

Emissions reduction trading programs are a cost effective tool that should be a part of California’s air quality attainment strategy.  The Chamber is committed to working with the Legislature, regulators, environmentalists and the public to support programs that achieve measurable and cost effective emissions reductions.

The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee, awaiting assignment to a Senate policy committee.

For more information on AB 1430 or other “job killer” bills, please visit the Chamber’s website at www.calchamber.com.

Staff Contact: Amisha Patel