California Rejects Clean Energy, Alternative Fuel Ballot Initiatives

November 6, 2008

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California voters have rejected two campaigns for clean energy and alternative fuels, propositions 7 and 10, AP reports (via the Union-Tribune). Proposition 7 would have required utilities to generate half their electricity from renewable sources by 2025. Proposition 10 would have given Californians rebates of up to $50,000 to buy alternative fuel vehicles and would have set aside money for research.

Opponents, including the Sierra Club, said the measures would have driven up electricity rates, delayed the transition to clean power and put small renewable energy companies out of business.

They also warned the two propositions would tarnish the state’s green image. Critics say the $5 billion bond measure would have steered taxpayer money to T. Boone Pickens, founder of Clean Energy Fuels Corp., which gave nearly $19 million to the bond initiative.

Californians rejecting green initiatives may seem odd as the state has some of the toughest green initiatives in the country. The state plans to curb its GHG emissions by 30 percent over the next 12 years. In addition, the state has issued tougher green standards for buildings, seeking to reduce energy consumption of buildings by 15 percent and to reduce water used for landscaping by 50 percent.

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Reader Comments

Energy Independence needs to be included in the realm of our economic issues. Our dependence on foreign oil impacts every aspect of our society and economy. This past year we were slammed by high prices at the pump that drained our wallets. The cost of food and every consumer product has risen because of increased production and shipping costs. The average family had no money left over to spend, save or invest. So we tighten our belts, we spend less because we have less and sadly that results in more job losses. We have so much available in the way of FREE energy, solar and wind that can be utilized to replace oil. Hybrid and electric plug in cars would replace another huge percentage of our dependence on foreign oil. The last stimulus checks cost our government 168 BILLION. It did zip for our economy.That money could have gone a long way towards getting America started on the path to energy independence.Jeff Wilson has a great new book out called The Manhattan Project of 2009 Energy Independence NOW. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is worried about our economy and interested in seeing our country become energy independent! http://www.themanhattanprojectof2009.com

Bill | November 7th, 2008