A state law known as cap and trade says that, as soon as September 2012, polluters will have to pay for the right to pollute. Pumping poisons into the sky and people's lungs will no longer be free of charge. In fact, it will be quite expensive. 

Cap and trade was originally a Republican idea in 1990 when it was used to offer incentives to industry to reduce emissions that caused acid rain. Now it’s time to make it rain in a way that puts people and the planet first. 

By capping the amount of allowed pollution and charging large corporations like Chevron for extra pollution, California could generate anywhere from $1 billion to $3 billion per year by 2013 and as much as $14 billion by 2015.

Where will all this dough go? 

I couldn't agree more with Los Angeles Senator Kevin DeLeon who authored a new bill which says at least 10% of this cash should go to projects that benefit the 10% most disadvantaged communities determined by areas with the dirtiest air, least money and fewest jobs. These projects, most of which would be in communities of color, would create jobs and help Californians who are least able to confront the impacts of the climate crisis like dirtier air, more heat, and more fires.

We call this 10 for 10. 

Polluters will finally have to pay for the damage they cause people and the planet.  With 10 for 10, California has an opportunity to make sure this money goes to people who have been harmed and deserve a chance to help themselves. 
 
Some northeastern states have already used similar funds to pay for home insulation, replacing old windows, and getting efficient appliances, all of which save money and energy.  I want to see this throughout California from East Oakland to East LA. 

It’s no surprise that big corporations are doing everything they can to avoid paying their fair share and avoid cleaning up the mess they've made, including suing the state. 

However, California law says that the state canuse market based mechanisms to reduce pollution and that it can charge big corporations a fee without a 2/3 majority vote as long as the money is used to offset the health or environmental effects of the pollution. 

Corporations have money power, but at the Ella Baker Center, we have people power. Will you stand with communities of color across the state to make sure it's not 1% for the 1% but 10% of the cash for the 10% who need it most? 

It's time to cap and get paid.