A.B. 32

Background on A.B. 32, Global Warming Solutions Act

On September 27, 2006, Governor Schwarzenegger signed A.B. 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act. The Act caps California’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) at 1990 levels by 2020. This legislation represents the first enforceable state-wide program in the U.S. to cap all GHG emissions from major industries that includes penalties for non-compliance.  It requires the State Air Resources Board to establish a program for statewide greenhouse gas emissions reporting and to monitor and enforce compliance with this program. The Act also authorizes the state board to adopt market-based compliance mechanisms including cap-and-trade, and allows a one-year extension of the targets under extraordinary circumstances.

Unlike traditional environmental legislation that often times ignores issues that affect the poor and working poor, A.B. 32 has language and provisions that provide leverage to ensure that poor people’s needs are considered. 

In particular, A.B. 32 creates a long-term process of community engagement to ensure that all voices that want to be considered are allowed an equal opportunity to be at the table.   A.B. 32 also has a Community Empowerment Amendment that, “requires ARB to ensure that the GHG emission reduction rules, regulations, programs, mechanisms, and incentives under its jurisdiction direct public and private investment toward the most disadvantaged communities in California and provide an opportunity for small businesses, schools, affordable housing associations, and other community institutions to participate in and benefit from statewide efforts to reduce GHG emissions.”

Why Greenlining's Voice is Necessary

The provisions in A.B. 32 to protect and advance the interests of the poor will not work unless there is a coordinated and smart advocacy effort on behalf of the poor. The major stakeholders currently working on the implementation of A.B. 32 are traditional environmentalists, big business, and the environmental justice lobby.  An opportunity is available for an advocate to develop a plan that encompasses issues related to economic opportunities and investments within the “green economy.”  A.B. 32 might have regressive affects on the poor, especially during difficult economic times without Greenlining's voice. 

For more information on this project please contact Orson Aguilar at 510.926.4005.