GOP legislators buck the numbers on greenhouse gases
An astonishing majority of California voters support strong efforts to reduce greenhouse gases, according to a new poll. The numbers are huge: 65% say global warming is a "proven fact"; 79% see it as a "somewhat serious threat"; 67% support the state taking stronger action than the federal government; and even after being warned it could have economic impacts, 58% support AB 32, the state's landmark greenhouse gas initiative.
So what the response of the GOP minorities in the state Legislature? They're trying to delay implementation of AB 32 for a year, holding it hostage in the budget battle. Talk about swimming against the tide. But so long as the budget requires a two-thirds majority to pass, and so long as gerrymandered districts leave safe havens for Republicans and Democrats alike, this kind of Twilight Zone politics will prevail.
Comments
With the state facing a $17.2 billion budget deficit, Republicans are bringing a number of ideas to the table to jumpstart our economy and taking action to ensure we never face deep shortfalls like this again. Democrats are only calling for taxing more and spending more.
The Senate Republican proposal you mention, which is just one idea among many we've already presented, asks the governor to consider the economic impact as called for in AB 32. According to the PUC, AB 32 implementation will cost California ratepayers $15 billion.
Giving the economy a chance to rebound before implementing these expensive rules makes sense, especially when Californians are hammered with $4.50 a gallon prices at the pump, historic home values declines, record job loss rates and soaring food price increases.
Posted by: Sen. Bob Dutton | June 24, 2008 3:19 PM
Around 1955, a Wathen build home was $15.000. That is historic. 2 years ago that same house (pre-inhabited) sold for over $200,000...Now go to your income tax returns of all those years and look at the percentage of your wage increases.
I asked ths stupid question before: "Do politicians turn liars, or do liars become politicians?"
No disrespect to Sen. Bob Dutton...
Posted by: Isabell Lawson | June 25, 2008 9:08 AM