Written by Imperial Valley News

Sacramento, California - Two more bills authored by Assemblymember V. Manuel Pérez have passed the State Legislature and now make their way to the Governor’s desk.

AB 2037 seeks to address air pollution in areas of the state where the air basin extends across a state or federal border. AB 2037 would authorize the approval of energy contracts with out-of-state energy producers only if these facilities meet California emissions standards. More specifically, this bill would require such facilities to meet best available control technology standards, which limit the air pollution emissions from the operation of those facilities. The bill only applies to contracts after January 1, 2011 with out-of-state facilities that share an air basin with California.

“Air pollution does not recognize international borders,” said Pérez. “While we work toward meeting our renewable energy goals and using cleaner forms of energy production, we must also ensure that energy produced for California - in facilities adjacent to our state border - is not harming the health of Californians."

The bill is directly relevant to communities in the Imperial Valley, situated in an air basin that extends south-of-the-border. The region has one of the worst particulate matter pollution problems in California, as well as historically high rates of asthma hospitalizations among children.  Among the many registered supporters of AB 2037 are the County of Imperial (sponsor) and the Imperial Irrigation District.

Accompanying AB 2037 on its way to the Governor is AB 2443, a Pérez bill that enhances accountability and transparency in the state’s international trade program. In particular, it sets forth a statutory framework for the adoption of Sister State Relationship agreements (formal state level declarations for economic, educational, and cultural benefit).  The framework includes provisions relating to goals, measurable outcomes, reporting, and timelines.

“This bill is an example of how, in these difficult economic times, we can leverage existing state resources in a responsible and cost-effective manner to encourage economic development,” said Pérez, who serves as chair of the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy. “International trade and foreign investment is very important to the California economy, and therefore we must maximize opportunities to promote it. Adding accountability measures to Sister State relationship agreements ensures we are making full use of these value-added opportunities to advance economic growth.”

The bill also includes a transparency provision regarding official communications between the state's executive branch and the U.S. Trade Representative.