The state agency leading California’s efforts to fight climate change has drawn criticism from lawmakers of both parties for having too much unchecked authority. Today, Governor Jerry Brown took a small step toward addressing that concern.
The governor has signed a bill that gives the Assembly and Senate one appointment each to the California Air Resources Board. Brown’s signature comes one day after things got a bit awkward at the signing ceremony for a key climate bill:
“I love the Legislature, but I don’t want to entrust you with too much power – at least, on a daily basis. You set the big story and then just let this Executive Branch carry out your desires. And you can check it every now and then," says Brown.
The governor lost a big battle last month when the Legislature blocked his push to cut vehicle petroleum use in half. Republicans and moderate Democrats feared CARB would have too much power to achieve that goal.
On Twitter, a Republican Assemblyman called Brown’s latest signature “merely a symbolic gesture” that does nothing to transfer authority back to the Legislature.
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