A California Chamber of Commerce-supported “job creator” bill that will save thousands of jobs awaits action by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The bill, SB 827 (Wright; D Inglewood), prevents the loss of thousands of jobs and keeps businesses in California by re-establishing the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s (SCAQMD) credit bank.

The bill supports the construction of vital projects and keeps businesses in California by permitting certain businesses in the SCAQMD to be granted emission credits.

A 2007 ruling by the Los Angeles County Superior Court prevents the SCAQMD from allowing certain businesses to use emission reduction credits from previous air quality improvements to meet emission limits required by federal law. SB 827 allows the court case to proceed while enabling the use of emission credits by certain businesses.

California is currently suffering from a high unemployment rate and weak economy. If businesses and industry in the South Coast region do not have access to the credit bank, they will not be able to obtain much-needed permits to operate on a daily basis. These businesses and facilities represent much of the essential services needed in the South Coast area.

Failing to fix the ongoing crisis due to a lawsuit will further jeopardize the economy while halting many environmentally friendly upgrades and projects that are being planned at facilities in the region.

SB 827 provides a solution to the existing problem so that these businesses and daily essential services can continue to operate.

Action Needed

The CalChamber is urging members to ask the Governor to sign SB 827.

Sample letters are available at www.calchambervotes.com.

Staff Contact: Marc Burgat

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