PFT Statement on ARB Scoping Plan
Pacific Forest Trust is very pleased that California continues to recognize that forests and natural lands can be either a major source of climate pollution, or they can be a cost effective way of removing carbon dioxide from the air.
It is notable that the Scoping Plan Update highlights the importance of investing in forests and natural lands soon, since the greatest benefits accrue over decades of growth. The plan also recognizes that beyond the carbon benefits of forest investments, we need to conserve and restore our forested watersheds to protect water quality and supply, wildlife habitat, recreation, and rural jobs.
As California looks at forests and natural lands, we need to recognize that these ecosystems form an inter-related continuum across the landscape. We agree with the focus of the recent letter from Senate and Assembly Natural Resource Committee leaders Senator Pavley and Assemblyman Chesbro: California should create an overarching plan for protecting and enhancing all forms of biological carbon, from urban and rural forests to agriculture, ranching and wetlands. Convening a blue ribbon panel of state agency leaders and external experts would approach carbon on natural and working lands with an integrated approach.