Stakeholders divide on cap‑and‑trade reauthorization: utilities, manufacturers and EJ groups set priorities

(This article summarizes public comments and written positions delivered during the committee hearing.)

A wide array of stakeholders gave one‑minute public comments expressing the breadth of views on cap‑and‑trade reauthorization and GGRF spending.

Environmental justice and frontline community groups argued for program reform and for directing more auction revenue to disadvantaged communities. Katie Valenzuela (Center on Race, Poverty, and the Environment) criticized industry allocations and said AB 398’s leakage assistance factor once provided broad transfers to industry that removed funds from community investments. Catherine Garupe (Central Valley Air Quality Coalition) and other EJ representatives asked that…