The CA Air Board reaffirmed their decision to stick with the cap and trade approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions rather than an alternative mechanism such as a carbon fee - a decision that did not please the environmental justice litigants.
In March the San Francisco Superior Court ordered the Air Board to "more comprehensively analyze alternatives to the market-based trading system, such as a carbon tax or fee. In a unanimous vote in Sacramento on (August 24), the board adopted the revised environmental analysis while still affirming its original decision", thus setting the stage for another suit by displeased environmental justice advocates.
"UCLA law professor Cara Horowitz said 'most assuredly' the matter would be back before the court."
"During the six-hour public meeting, groups that largely represent low-income communities argued that a cap-and-trade plan allows refineries, power plants and other large-scale facilities to continue emitting pollutants in poor neighborhoods as long as they purchase emission offsets."
Thanks to Fred Heutte
Read the full story: California panel reaffirms carbon trading program
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