(SACRAMENTO) – The following is a statement by Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes (D-Corona), after the Legislature’s votes today on the Cap-and-Trade legislative package, Assembly Bills 398 and 617:
“This legislative package presented a difficult decision. Climate change, and the danger it poses to humanity, is real. That is undeniable. I applaud Governor Jerry Brown for his international leadership on this existential threat. The United States should follow Governor Brown’s leadership and reenter the Paris Agreement.
“Nonetheless, when I consider any piece of legislation, I must assess whether it would improve the quality of life for the residents of Riverside County and California as a whole. This package represents a missed opportunity to address harmful air pollution caused by mobile sources. Most of the harmful air pollution endured by the residents of Western Riverside County is from consumer and commercial vehicles. Any solution that does not work to reduce mobile source emissions is inadequate.
“I am ready and willing to work with Governor Brown and legislative leaders to find solutions to climate change and harmful air pollution to improve the quality of life for the residents of Western Riverside County. Unfortunately, this legislative package does not address the true concerns of the district that I represent, so I could not support it at this time.”
Sabrina Cervantes proudly represents the 60th District of the California State Assembly, which encompasses the communities of Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Norco, and a portion of the City of Riverside.