Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV), Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) and the Sierra Club led the fight against Props 7 and 10

LOS ANGELES(RushPRnews)11/06/08– Voters struck down Propositions 7 and 10, measures that would have delayed renewable energy development in California and served as give-aways to the fossil fuel industry. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV), Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) and the Sierra Club led the fight against Props 7 and 10 that would set back the state’s efforts to build a clean energy future.

Following is a statement by David Pettit, director of NRDC’s Southern California Clean Air Program:
“California voters overwhelmingly support renewable energy and alternatives to oil, and voted No on Props 7 and 10 to sustain California’s momentum and leadership on clean energy solutions. We cannot delay investing in solutions that will free us from our addiction to fossil fuel.”

Following is a statement by Anthony Rendon, Interim Executive Director, CLCV:
“In partnership with other leading environmental groups, the California League of Conservation Voters urged our 30,000 members to vote ‘no’ on these bogus ballot initiatives. Environmental voters heard us loud and clear, and defeated both Prop 10 and Prop 7.”

Following is a statement by Jim Metropulos, Sierra Club California’s senior advocate:
“Once again, California voters have shown that they are able to see through the smokescreen of clever ads and deceptive ballot language to do what’s best for our state. Now the real work begins: convincing the California Legislature to adopt meaningful, enforceable renewable power standards and convincing state regulators to do a better job at encouraging clean vehicles in our state.”

Following is a statement by Cliff Chen, senior clean energy analyst, UCS:
“Make no mistake that Californians want more renewable energy powering our economy, but voters want it done right. Prop 7 was misguided and flawed, and the voters rightfully turned it down. Now it’s time for our state legislature to act by passing an effective renewable energy reform bill that Californians want and need.”

Background:
Proposition 7 would have erected complex regulatory barriers, excluded smaller renewable energy providers and made it harder to bring more renewable energy to California during a critical time when our state needs renewable power to clean the air, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and stop global warming, according to the groups.

Prop 10 was written to provide massive subsidies to natural gas, a non-renewable fossil fuel source, that would crowd out better vehicle technologies and cleaner fuels. Prop 10 would require $5 billion in public bond money to fund a grab-bag of alternative fuel, vehicle, and energy measures which will balloon to $10 billion by the time it’s repaid.