Small Business Community Calls for Full Economic Review as Next Step for AB 32

The National Federation of Independent Business/California issued the following statement today in response to the California Air Resources Board’s adoption of the AB 32 Scoping Plan:

“Small businesses are vital to California’s economy, and they must be able to survive the massive transformation that is going to occur as our state implements the far-reaching policies under AB 32’s just-approved Scoping Plan,” said John Kabateck, NFIB/California executive director.

“The California Air Resources Board has approved the Scoping Plan, and next will begin the process of developing regulations to fulfill the plan’s guidelines.

“The Governor has been an advocate of transparency in government, and we feel that the AB 32 program will benefit from a more comprehensive examination of the economic impacts of the plan’s different elements. We appreciate the Board’s resolution today indicating that such further analysis will be conducted.

“The small business community looks forward to working with the Governor and his Administration, as well as the Air Resources Board, as our state moves into the next phase of AB 32 implementation. Small businesses want to be part of the AB 32 process in order to help create a program that is most likely to succeed – a program that achieves its environmental goals while still protecting our economy and our jobs.

“If we work together to adopt the most cost-effective regulations we will help California create a model for combating climate change - while protecting and preserving small businesses, jobs and the economy - that can be replicated across the country and around the world.”