Cap-and-trade puts bipartisan leadership on display

(Photo Credit: Jane Tyska / Bay Area News Group)

Updated after bill signing on July 25, 2017 --

As I took a front row seat at Tuesday’s cap-and-trade bill-signing ceremony, I was gratified to hear Governor Brown highlight the importance of bipartisanship in getting this historic measure passed. That bipartisanship meant not just extending a successful market-based approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but the bipartisanship made it better.

Not too often do you see business leaders standing shoulder to shoulder with key environmental stakeholders. The bill’s author, Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia even shared talking points from Assembly Republican Leader Chad Mayes at today’s ceremony noting that the bill will reduce taxes and regulation while saving jobs and reducing emissions. That is not your typical Tuesday in San Francisco.

As the President and CEO of the East Bay Leadership Council, increasing economic vitality and quality of life in the East Bay is my utmost concern. That’s why the East Bay Leadership Council proudly supported the cap-and-trade extension, along with a diverse coalition of business and environmental groups across the state including the California Chamber of Commerce, the Environmental Defense Fund, the League of Women Voters of California, and the American Lung Association. It’s important that the air we breathe is clean, we take measures to protect the environment, and that the economy continues to thrive.

I am particularly proud of the role that East Bay legislators played in securing California’s position as a global leader in climate change policy.

The package of bills to extend the state’s cap-and-trade program represented a difficult but necessary compromise that will lead to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions while providing businesses with the predictability they need to succeed in our evolving economy.

After the bill was introduced in mid-July, countless negotiations, contentious debates and heated conversations between parties, business groups, and environmental organizations ensued. The conversations became so heated at points that a successful compromise seemed impossible. Yet, Governor Brown persisted and urged that the bill be passed with a two-thirds vote. The result was balanced, bipartisan environmental policy that allows California’s economy to grow while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

East Bay legislators understood the need for a balanced approach more than most. Contra Costa County is the second most industrial county in California and the home of four refineries. Our residents live with the costs as well as the benefits of industry and are keenly aware of the need to balance economic interests with their effects on quality of life and our environment.

The leadership displayed by East Bay elected officials on cap-and-trade was second to none. We applaud Assemblywoman Catharine Baker for working across party lines to do what’s best for her constituents and the environment.

In all, the entire legislative delegation representing Contra Costa and Alameda County voted in support of this landmark effort. Cap-and-trade is smart policy and we’re proud to be home to legislators that can put party labels aside and do what’s best for the East Bay.

We are hopeful that the same meaningful and bipartisan problem-solving will be on display when housing policy hits the agenda after the legislative recess.

Kristin Connelly, President and CEO of the East Bay Leadership Council