SACRAMENTO – Assembly Speaker Emeritus Fabian Núñez (D-Los Angeles), the author of AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, today released the following statement after the California Air Resources Board staff presented their draft Scoping Plan for AB 32:

“We wrote AB 32 to be a tough response to the threat of global warming. The law has to be implemented properly -- and strongly -- if it is to make the kind of difference California needs. While the California Air Resources Board draft Scoping Plan is preliminary, and a lot of details still need to be filled in over the next six months, I am optimistic about the direction CARB is taking. The draft Scoping Plan is a strong beginning and in line with the language and intent of AB 32, including an achievable real-world goal of reducing greenhouse gasses by 169 million tons by 2020. The draft Scoping Plan relies heavily on a critically-important regulated approach, but also recognizes the value of utilizing market mechanisms to reduce greenhouse gases, though more work has to be done in evaluating and advancing particular mechanisms.

“I applaud Chair Mary Nichols and the Air Resources Board for meeting this key deadline in the AB 32 implementation process. I look forward now to hearing from all the stakeholders who understand the economic, health, and environmental benefits of AB 32 as they share their views on the Scoping Plan. AB 32 was one of the most important successes the legislature and the governor have had in years for the people of California. I intend to be vigorous and vigilant in making sure it’s done right. This draft Scoping Plan gives me confidence that CARB is going in the right direction.”