Governor Brown Appoints EDF California Climate Director to Independent Emissions Market Advisory Committee

(SACRAMENTO, CA – June 4, 2018) Governor Jerry Brown has appointed Quentin Foster, Director for California Climate at Environmental Defense Fund, to the Independent Emissions Market Advisory Committee serving the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA). Foster joined EDF in 2016 and led its successful advocacy around 2017 legislation extending California’s cap-and-trade program to 2030 (AB 398) and accelerating improvements in air quality (AB 617). The five-member committee, established in AB 398, evaluates and reports annually to the California Air Resources Board and the legislature on the environmental and economic performance of cap and trade and other relevant climate policies.

“I am honored Governor Brown has appointed me to the Independent Emissions Market Advisory Committee. This is an opportunity to ensure that the environmental integrity in California’s landmark cap-and-trade program remains a priority. 

“California is a longtime leader on climate issues, in large part due to its cap-and-trade program that’s successfully limited climate pollution and is helping the state meet its ambitious climate goals. The revenues generated from cap and trade also allows California to drive investments into communities that are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. This is important because, as a native of South Los Angeles with deep roots in the environmental justice community, I’ve seen first-hand the need to address our air quality and protect our environment. 

“The committee will play a key role in evaluating California’s cap-and-trade program’s performance, providing insight that will support California in achieving its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. California and the world face an unprecedented threat from climate change, and I look forward to this opportunity to help California continue to lead the way on ambitious climate action.”

•    Quentin Foster, Director, California Climate