A Tighter Pollution Cap is an Affordability, Economic Win for California

“The conclusion of this process is more important than how it starts. We are pleased to see the Board resume its rule-making and urge them to take swift, bold action. A more ambitious cap on pollution will cut more costs for families, especially families with lower incomes, while providing more economic and climate benefits that grow over time. 

“By pursuing a tighter pollution cap through 2030, instead of the minimum proposed, the Board can cut significantly more pollution and bring relief to families on a budget. Modeling from Greenline Insights shows an emissions cap stronger than what we have today translates into easier, larger pollution cuts by removing 586 million more tons of climate-altering pollution between 2027 and 2045. It also brings $600 million in savings to families earning $100,000 or less and $2.2 billion in savings for those earning less than $70,000.

“It pays to be ambitious. California must seize this opportunity to prevent the growth of a climate-induced affordability crisis driven by more frequent and destructive disasters threatening our communities, jobs, and health. Otherwise, we miss out on years of progress building a safer, more prosperous future. EDF looks forward to working with the Board towards a more ambitious pollution cap.”

–   Katelyn Roedner Sutter, California Senior Director, Environmental Defense Fund