Talking Points

-We support the goals of AB 32, appreciate the hard work of the Air Resources Board staff, and like many of the measures in the draft scoping plan. For ARB’s work to be a success, we must demonstrate that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is actually good for the California economy. If we do that, we create a model that other states and countries will emulate. We must ensure that the reduction of GHGs is done in a manner that will bring increased economic activity in-state and broadly distribute economic benefits, and will result in the creation of good-paying jobs with long-term career growth opportunities. We appreciate the fact that the Air Resource Board is taking into consideration the impacts on businesses, jobs and workers in its economic analysis..

-Our priority is to make sure that this plan helps and doesn’t hurt working people in California. Toward that end, here are some ideas we should incorporate into the plan:

*Invest in the California workforce. While some green jobs will be in new businesses and new occupations, most green economy jobs are actually variations of traditional occupations in the construction trades, utilities, manufacturing, and transportation. Workers in those fields will require new training as employers adopt cleaner processes. Community colleges, workforce investment boards, and union apprenticeship programs are critical training assets that need scaling up. It is also essential that we reinvigorate career technical education in California for the next generation of workers who will build our green future.

*Favor policies that are proven to create good, middle-class jobs. We applaud the strong emphasis on energy efficiency and renewable energy in the AB 32 draft implementation plan. Both of these areas have been shown to create large numbers of jobs. But there must be measures to ensure that these jobs are high-quality jobs with family-supporting wages, benefits and career pathways.

*Prevent jobs from leaving the state. If businesses leave California for other states or other countries with less stringent GHG emissions restrictions -- and then ship the products that are made elsewhere back to California -- this will hurt California workers AND undermine the state’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Air Resources Board can prevent this type of “leakage” by implementing effective policies to ensure that out-of-state producers have to play on the same playing field as in-state producers. For example, out of state producers and foreign producers that import products into the state must buy the same emissions allowances that in-state producers purchase when they sell their products to reflect the “embedded carbon.”

* Adopt policies that direct investment in California, not other places. Out-of state offsets could jeopardize construction and other jobs involved in modernizing industrial facilities. Any offsets must be in-state offsets that would drive economic development in California by pushing for technological solutions related to permanent reductions at home.

*Assist workers in their transition to a greener California economy. AB 32 is likely to result in some job loss in specific heavy emitting industries, though overall employment is projected to grow. To support and provide retraining for displaced workers, the state should create a climate adjustment assistance program, modeled on the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance Program.

*Invest in California’s infrastructure and innovation. Whatever system is crafted to lower GHG emissions, all of the revenues generated should be closely managed by the public for the public good. Along with the workforce investments described above, regulations should promote investment in the CA economy, not other states. California has the track record of innovation and the proven market to support new technologies. Revenues will be needed for financing innovation and adoption of new technologies that can lead to permanent reductions in emissions in California. This includes retooling industry, research and development of new technology, rebuilding California’s manufacturing base, and upgrading our infrastructure. Funds should be invested in public transit, denser urban development, and building retrofits. Since low-income consumers will be the hardest hit by increased energy prices, transition help and public investment in housing energy efficiency are also critical.

-California workers want a clean environment and applaud your work