03/29/2024

Opinion: Republicans Won with California’s Free-Market ‘Cap and Trade’ Program

Earlier this year, Assembly Republicans put together a list of priorities that would serve as the foundation of a free-market based cap-and-trade program to benefit Californians and their families. On Monday those priorities made history in California as we successfully extended the cap-and trade-program with a bi-partisan vote.

Given the state of our nation, and the fact 80 percent of Californians — and 50 percent of Republicans — not only consider the environment one of their primary concerns but also view climate change as a real threat to the state, we are making the right call in representing you — our constituents.

This program secures several long-sought Republican victories, including repealing the fire prevention fee, saving Californians over $16 billion in taxes and regulations, and additional funding to university programs for the research and development of new energy technologies. This legislation saves jobs, and it supports the industries that provide those jobs.

Republicans were not just casually supporting this bill. After countless negotiations with the governor, industry groups, taxpayer associations and community groups, Republicans have finally attained an equal seat at the legislative table

To echo the California Manufacturers Association, the California Chamber of Commerce, and countless other groups that share the common interest of the taxpayer, a free-market based cap and trade program is much better than a costly “command and control” alternative.

View Article