Bill > SB535

This bill amends the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (often referred to as AB 32) to ensure that efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions benefit disadvantaged communities, which are defined as areas disproportionately affected by pollution and environmental hazards, or areas with concentrations of low-income individuals, high unemployment, and other socioeconomic challenges. Specifically, the bill mandates that the California Environmental Protection Agency identify these disadvantaged communities, and that at least 25 percent of available funds from climate change programs be allocated to projects that benefit these communities, with a minimum of 10 percent of funds going to projects located within them. Funding guidelines will be developed to maximize benefits for these communities, and agencies will be required to report on how they have met these requirements, all while ensuring that no taxpayer pays a higher tax.