Protestors Will Deliver Petitions Against Cap and Trade to Assemblyman Block

Opponents of the state’s planned cap and trade program will deliver petitions against the plan to Assemblyman Marty Block Friday morning in Lemon Grove. 

Californians Against Higher Taxes and the National Federation of Independent Businesses say the plan is unconstitutional without a vote from the people or a two-thirds vote by the legislature. The groups call the plan an illegal and hidden energy tax.

Cap and trade would put limits on pollution generation, while marketing carbon emissions. It allows companies that exceed their cap to purchase credits from companies that fall below their cap.

John Kabateck, executive director of National Federation of Independent Business, told Capitol Public Radio the plan is bad for business.

“Experts say that this tax could drain $30 billion from California employers by the year 2020,” he said. “Those costs will have to be passed onto someone and that means small business owners and consumers are going to be hit with higher prices.”

The petitions will be delivered to Block’s office, 7144 Broadway, at 10 a.m. Friday.