Ever since Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 32 (The Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006) into law, climate change has been the "it" issue of the day. In an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, AB 32 transfers a huge amount of power to the unelected Air Resources Board without providing any real oversight or accountability. This risky move has produced some serious consequences.

Under the AB 32 umbrella, more legislation has popped up that prioritizes "going green" over California taxpayers and businesses; all following the trend of taking control and money away from elected governing bodies, and handing it to the Air Resources Board.

For example, in 2008 the Governor signed Senate Bill 375 into law. This new law takes control away from local governments by mandating that regional transportation agencies notify the state about how they will meet specific greenhouse-gas reduction targets as set by the ARB.

Another recently proposed piece of legislation, which thankfully failed (Senate Bill 31 of 2009), would have allowed the ARB to impose new fees annually by authorizing a cap and trade auction program.

The environmental regulations imposed by this type of legislation are going to be disastrous for California's economy. A July 2009 study commissioned by the Governor's Office of Small Business has found that AB 32 will cause California small businesses to pay an additional $49,691, and California families will be faced with increased annual costs of $3,857. Additionally, it is predicted that California will lose one million jobs. With our unemployment rate already over 12 percent, these statistics are simply unacceptable.

However, despite the efforts of global warming enthusiasts, the public opinion tide is turning when it comes to AB 32. According to a recent study done by the AB 32 Implementation Group, the relevance of AB 32 has dropped as Californians have become more concerned about our state's budget, unemployment rate, and ability to create and maintain jobs.

This legislative session, I hope my Democrat colleagues will listen to the will of the people and focus on legislation that will improve California's economy, not hurt it.

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Disaster Assistance available to Californians affected by disaster

Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available in California for residents and business owners affected by the severe winter storms that generated heavy rain, snow and high winds causing flooding, debris flows and mudslides beginning Jan. 17.

The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in the counties of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Ventura, Kern and Orange.

Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, non-profit organizations whose property was damaged or destroyed by the disaster. Beginning Thursday, Feb. 18, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the following SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers to issue loan applications, answer questions about SBA's disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their application.

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

Businesses of any size and private, non-profit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

Interest rates can be as low as 2.562 percent for homeowners and 4 percent for business with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the Small Business Adminstration and are based on each applicant's financial condition.

Disaster loan information and application forms are also available at (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

The filing deadline to return applications for property damage is April 19, 2010. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Nov. 16, 2010.