AB 617 is recognized by some local activists as a significant advancement for community power. However, statewide environmental justice organizations criticize it as inadequate, viewing it as a strategy to gain support for cap-and-trade, California's leading environmental initiative. Cap-and-trade limits industry emissions but lacks specific reduction requirements at sites like refineries. Ongoing negotiations on cap-and-trade renewals may impact AB 617's funding. Environmental justice advocates aim to enhance the program to achieve cleaner air in the state's most polluted areas. A recent federal court ruling reinstated suspended science research grants at UCLA amidst allegations of improper termination.
Activists viewed AB 617 as a breakthrough for community power-building, while statewide environmental justice organizations criticized it as a half-measure, primarily aimed at gaining support for cap-and-trade.
Cap-and-trade sets a declining limit on greenhouse gas emissions from industries like refineries and power plants, but it does not address specific site reductions.
Environmental justice advocates see potential changes to cap-and-trade funding as a means to strengthen AB 617 and ensure cleaner air for California's polluted neighborhoods.
A federal judge ordered the restoration of suspended federal research grants at UCLA, ruling that the suspensions violated a previous injunction against such actions.
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