California Assembly Bill AB1535

California 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/17/23
• Refer: 3/9/23
• Failed: 2/1/24

Caption

The Energy, Environment, and Economy Council.

Impact

The council established by AB 1535 will include members from various sectors including governmental agencies, business representatives, and subject matter experts. This diversity aims to foster robust policies that do not compromise economic growth while promoting environmental stewardship. The council will engage in public workshops and dialogue to ensure all stakeholder interests are represented, which may lead to new initiatives that balance ecological and economic objectives.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1535, introduced by Assembly Member Mathis, seeks to establish the Energy, Environment, and Economy Council to facilitate the achievement of California's environmental goals while also ensuring economic stability. This bill is a strategic move to align state policies with ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets while addressing the needs of various stakeholders, including businesses and environmental organizations. Existing environmental statutes enforce stringent goals such as a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 40% from 1990 levels by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2045.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding AB 1535 may arise from balancing environmental regulations with economic interests. Legislators may debate the effectiveness of the proposed council in addressing diverse stakeholder concerns while ensuring that environmental protections do not hinder economic activities. Moreover, stakeholders from the business community might express concerns over the potential regulatory burdens that could follow from adopting more stringent environmental policies. The bill's focus on minimizing the economic impact of regulations will likely be a focal point in discussions across various legislative forums.