On Earth Day, California Environmental Groups Say Defeating Dirty Energy Proposition is Their Top Priority

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 22, 2010

Source:
Californians for Clean Energy and Jobs (www.StopDirtyEnergyProp.com)
Campaign Contact:
Steve Maviglio,

, 916-607-8340

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).

# # #

 
 
 

Take Action »

Be an environmental champion: take action to protect our air, water, and health.

Know Your Legislators »

Who represents you in the Assembly & State Senate? Find out how they voted on key environmental proposals.

Stay Connected »

Keep up with the latest from CLCV: environmental news, urgent action alerts, and more.

Donate »

Your support for CLCV helps maintain California's standing as the nation's environmental leader.

2018 California Environmental Scorecard

New for the 2018 legislative session: The 45th annual California Environmental Scorecard rates elected officials on 2018, another successful year for the environment in spite of heavy opposition from polluting industry.

Find out how your legislators did in 2018 in CLCV's California Environmental Scorecard.