SACRAMENTO- Assemblyman Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks) has introduced AB 2328 to require that one of the two public member appointees that currently sit on the California Air Resources Board (CARB) be an owner of a small business.

"The current makeup of the board fails to include a small business representative who could provide valuable insight to drafting regulations in a way that ensures greater balance and compliance" said Assemblyman Niello.  "I am pleased to be able to propose legislation that allows an employer perspective to be heard when decisions are being made."

The Air Resources Board (Board) currently consists of 11 members appointed by the Governor with the consent of the Senate. All members serve "at the pleasure" of the Governor. The Board members serve part time, except the Chairperson, who serves full time.  Five members are chosen from the boards of local air quality management districts.  Three other members must fill specific "expertise" categories, such as automotive engineering, science, agriculture, law, or health.  One of the three remaining members must have expertise in air pollution control, or must meet the qualifications of one of the three categories mentioned above.  The remaining two members are public members.

"For far too long, the California Air Resources Board has been missing an important voice on the board - the voice of small business," said John Kabateck, California Chief Executive of the National Federation of Independent Business and sponsor of the legislation. "More often than not, the decisions that CARB makes disproportionately affect smaller companies and leave them scrambling to make sure they are in compliance.  AB 2328 ensures that the impact of decisions made by CARB and their affect on small businesses is brought forward early in discussions."

AB 2328 requires that one of the public members be an owner of a small business.  This policy change acknowledges the impact that CARB regulations have on the business community, and especially the small business community.