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Senators and advocates spar over how to spend cap‑and‑trade proceeds: housing, transit, nature and agriculture vie for funds
Summary
Witnesses and public commenters offered competing proposals for allocating greenhouse‑gas reduction fund (GGRF) proceeds, with environmental justice groups seeking targeted continuous funding for frontline communities, others seeking infrastructure revolving funds, and agricultural and transit advocates asking for set‑asides for proven programs.
Lawmakers heard a wide range of competing recommendations for how to spend proceeds from California’s cap‑and‑trade auctions, with testimony divided across several broad priorities: community air protections, housing near transit, mass transit and rail, nature‑based solutions, and agricultural climate programs.
Advocates for environmental justice asked the legislature to ‘‘dramatically reduce or eliminate excessive free oil and gas allowances’’ and to prioritize direct investments in communities through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF). Connie Cho of the Asian Pacific Environmental Network told senators that groups representing frontline communities ‘‘are humbly asking the legislature to reform the cap and trade program for affordability and equity’’ and to redirect funds into programs that benefit low‑income and overburdened communities.
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