IBEW 1245 organizing stewards joined with other proponents of California’s Innovative Clean Transit regulation at a hearing on Dec. 14
On Friday, Dec. 14, 2018, three IBEW 1245 organizing stewards joined with IBEW representatives from locals all across California to express their support for the state’s landmark Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) proposal at a hearing before the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
“The regulation will mandate zero emissions of all public transit throughout the state by the year 2040,” explained Organizing Steward Charlotte Stevens, who was among those who attended the hearing. “This will promote a healthier environment and create jobs for our members.”
According to CARB, this first-of-its-kind regulation “is part of a statewide effort to reduce emissions from the transportation sector, which accounts for 40 percent of climate-changing gas emissions and 80-90 percent of smog-forming pollutants. The transition to zero-emission technologies, where feasible, is essential to meeting California’s air quality and climate goals.”
At the hearing, the public support for the ICT regulation was clearly on display. More than 40 people testified before the Board, and only two were in opposition to the regulation.
The IBEW 1245 Organizing Stewards, seated behind the podium in their blue union shirts, were clearly visible on the televised broadcast.
“The highlight of the hearing was when Sacramento County Supervisor Phil Serna, Dr. John Balmes, and Diane Takvorian — all whom are CARB Board members — gave IBEW recognition during their speeches,” said Organizing Steward Georgette Carrillo. “Charlotte, Alvin, and I sat in the third row because we definitely wanted to make our presence known, and I think we accomplished our goal, since you could see us clearly on the TV screen.”
At the end of the day, the Board voted to approve the new regulation, which is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 19 million metric tons from 2020 to 2050 – the equivalent of taking four million cars off the road.
“Not only will this benefit our IBEW members in many ways … but it will also benefit the public by decreasing lung-related illnesses, providing affordable transit in low-income communities, and combating emissions that are contributing to our drastic climate change,” said Organizing Steward Alvin Dayoan.
“Each time I represent IBEW at the Capitol or other government agencies, I see the obvious proof that the work we do matters and makes a significant difference,” added Stevens.