Press Release
April 22, 2010
Source:
Californians for Clean Energy and Jobs (www.StopDirtyEnergyProp.com)
Campaign Contact:
Steve Maviglio,
On Earth Day, California Environmental Groups Say Defeating Dirty Energy Proposition is Their Top Priority
Sacramento — Defeating the Texas oil companies’ dirty energy proposition will be the top priority of the state’s environmental groups in November, leaders of the state’s top conservation organizations said while celebrating Earth Day today.
“There is no bigger threat to economic growth, clean air, and job creation than this effort by Texas oil companies to kill AB 32, our roadmap to a clean energy future,” said Ann Notthoff, California Advocacy Director at NRDC. “Californians know they can have both a strong economy and a healthy environment. Let’s not allow Valero to fuel up the hype machine about California’s AB 32.”
“The out-of-state oil companies want to keep us addicted to their dirty oil, and they’re apparently willing to spend millions to kill competition from clean energy providers so they can maintain their multi-billion dollar monopoly. But the environmental community is joined with clean energy businesses, community groups, organized labor and others to do whatever it takes to defeat this deceptive measure,” said Warner Chabot, CEO, California League of Conservation Voters.
A study released by the state’s Economic Development Department this week noted more than 500,000 “green” jobs are one of the few bright spots in the California economy. Most of the jobs are in manufacturing and construction.
“The millions of dollars being spent by Texas oil companies and other out-of-state interests to rewrite California law is being met by a strong grassroots effort and a well-funded campaign backed by businesses, health organizations, and environmental allies from around the state,” said Wade Crowfoot, West Coast Political Director, Environmental Defense Fund. “Even in this recession, support for California’s clean energy law remains strong. This law is giving California a competitive edge in the fast-growing, multi-billion dollar global clean energy market.”
In last July’s PPIC poll, 66 percent of voters said they support AB 32. A Field Poll last month pegged support at 58 percent. A FM3 poll on the proposed initiative found it losing 37-46 percent.
“In November, Californians will have a clear choice: side with the out-of-state oil interests who are trying to kill our clean air laws and clean energy economy, or stand up for California jobs, clean air, and environment. We’re confident voters will vote against the oil companies’ scheme,” said Bill Magavern, Director, Sierra Club California.
The proposition has not yet qualified for the ballot. Valero and Tesoro, two Texas oil companies, as well as the Adam Smith Foundation, a mysterious Missouri-based special interest group, are spending more than $2 million to put the measure on the November ballot.
For the latest news and developments, visit us at http://www.StopDirtyEnergyProp.com and friend us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dirty-Energy-Proposition/102127549830239), Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/DirtyEnergyProp) and YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/DirtyEnergyProp).
ABOUT CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL VOTERS
California Environmental Voters (formerly the California League of Conservation Voters) believes the climate crisis is here and this moment requires transformative change. California has the policy solutions to stop climate change but lacks the political will to do it at the rate and scale that’s necessary. EnviroVoters exists to build the political power to solve the climate crisis, advance justice, and create a roadmap for global action. We organize voters, elect and train candidates, and hold lawmakers accountable for bold policy change. We won’t stop until we have resilient, healthy, thriving communities, and a democracy and economy that is just and sustainable for all. Join us at www.envirovoters.org and on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. See more press releases.
