Bipartisan Measure Helps Small Businesses and Protects Environment

December 27, 2011 (Los Angeles) –Assembly Member Mike Feuer (D-Los Angeles) wrote a new law establishing the Certified Green Business Program will take effect on January 1, 2012.  The new law will help small businesses make informed decisions to reduce pollution and conserve energy.

“Many small businesses desire to be environmentally friendly, but they don’t have access to the same resources that are available to large companies. This new law is designed to help small businesses that want to research and implement sustainable business practices,” said Feuer.

Small businesses are a vital driving force of California’s economy, but small businesses often do not have the necessary resources to design and implement best environmental practices.  Local government operated Green Business Certification programs fill in this gap by providing participating businesses with individualized consultation on best environmental practices that can save businesses money while, at the same time, forwarding environmental protection.

AB 913 creates the California Certified Green Business Program, a unique partnership between the Department of Toxic Substances Control, local government and small businesses. The new law will formalize this innovative partnership and provide a model for bringing green business programs to more California communities.  The measure directs DTSC to foster the development of new programs, and directs DTSC to aid programs to meet minimum requirements, including that they verify standards are properly implemented prior to certifying a business.

Assembly member Feuer’s website:  http://www.assembly.ca.gov/a42

Contact:  Arianna Smith, 916-319-2042