Transit, Labor, and Housing Allies Express Concern Over Proposed Amendments to...

**PRESS RELEASE**

(Sacramento, CA) - Today, a new statewide coalition of more than 60 organizations, led by the California Transit Association and representing transit, labor, and housing interests from across the state, submitted a formal letter to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) expressing concern over proposed amendments to the Cap-and-Invest program. As written, the proposed amendments will severely impact the climate and job benefits of the program and undermine the state's efforts to address the affordability crisis faced by Californians.

The proposed amendments, which are set for hearing on May 28-29, make a series of new concessions to polluting industries and utility companies that would eliminate critical funding to states programs, including the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC), Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP), and Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) and slash clean air investments benefitting AB 617 communities.

These programs have been a centerpiece of the state's climate strategy for more than a decade, with measurable outcomes:

• 37.7 metric tons of climate pollution reduced -- the equivalent of taking 8 million gas-powered cars off the road annually

• $9.35 billion invested statewide

• 33,267 projects completed

"Californians are demanding that Sacramento address the cost-of-living as the state combats climate change and works to improve air quality. These Proposed Amendments do the opposite by gutting critical investments in public transportation and affordable housing that save Californians money and save our environment," said Michael Pimentel, Executive Director for the California Transit Association. "We urge CARB to course correct and advance a final regulation that upholds the commitments made to communities across the state."

"Each day, thousands of men and women are on job sites, working hard to bring these important projects funded by Cap-and-Invest to life. The Proposed Amendments will have a catastrophic impact on our industry, good-paying jobs, and the economy," said James Thuerwachter, Legislative Advocate with the California State Council of Laborers. "We urge CARB to consider another path forward that doesn't put the progress we've made at risk."

"Communities across California are already experiencing the impacts of climate change-from extreme heat to displacement and rising costs. CARB's proposed changes to the Cap-and-Invest program risk undermining the very outcomes it's meant to deliver: reliable investments in communities and real reductions in pollution," said Housing California's Executive Director, Chione Lucina Muñoz Flegal. "If adopted, these changes would set back our climate progress and reduce critical funding for proven solutions that support a healthy, sustainable, and affordable future. This includes the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program, which has delivered meaningful emissions reductions and more than 22,000 affordable homes. We urge the CARB Board Members to reject these changes and stay the course on effective climate action."

"The state has been grappling with how to reduce carbon emissions equitably and affordably. Unfortunately, the proposed amendments would gut the very programs that create mobility and housing at prices that people can afford-undermining the state's goal of equitably shifting to a low-carbon future," said Laura Tolkoff, Transportation Policy Director for SPUR, an urban policy research and advocacy organization. 

In addition to the letter above, a group of more than 40 transit agencies, in coordination with the coalition, also submitted this separate letter attached in opposition to the CARB's proposed amendments to the Cap-and-Invest program.

The California Transit Association represents more than 220 organizations, including public transit, commuter rail, transit allies, and support organizations statewide. Our organization advocates for budget and regulatory action that benefits transit-friendly policies, increased funding, and a balanced transportation system.

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