(March 20, 2008) An advisory committee to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has presented its recommendations on strategies to reduce greenhouse gases.

The Economic and Technology Advancement Advisory Committee (ETAAC) presented its final report to CARB on February 28.

The committee was formed after the passage of AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, to advise the board on activities that would increase investment in clean technologies, spur research and development in the state, and develop state, national and international partnerships to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The committee included members from academic and non-profit communities, government and the business community. California Chamber of Commerce policy advocate Amisha Patel was also a member of the committee.

The final report includes 55 recommendations for greenhouse gas reduction strategies in the areas of finance; transportation; industrial commercial and residential end users; electricity and natural gas; agriculture; forestry; and water policy.

First Step

The CalChamber believes this document is the first step to ensuring California’s leadership in attracting green businesses to the state. The CalChamber is supportive of a number of the proposals presented in the report, but thinks it is important to also study the associated costs for implementation.

The ETAAC report will prove to be a useful tool for CARB as it develops the scoping plan for implementing AB 32. In order to achieve the ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals, the board will need to look at ways to encourage the development of innovative solutions and technologies.

Need for Sound Solutions

Since the passage of AB 32, the CalChamber has been urging CARB to look at sound solutions in reducing the state’s greenhouse gas emissions. Such solutions include market-based approaches, technology development, and providing businesses with incentives to manufacture and develop their pilot projects in California.

Staff Contact: Amisha Patel

Additional Resources

Climate Change

Environmental Regulations

Energy