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Environmental, Organized Labor, and Clean Power Leaders Urge California Democratic Party E-Board to Oppose Flawed “Renewables” Initiative This Weekend
By Dan Kalb
California Policy Coordinator
Union of Concerned Scientists
CDP Delegate, 14th A.D.
A broad coalition of environmental, labor, clean power companies and Democratic leaders is opposed to the so-called “Solar and Clean Energy Act” that will appear on California’s November ballot. Despite its lofty goals and the well-intentions of its authors, those of us who are deeply involved in renewable energy know that it is riddled with poorly drafted language that, unfortunately, could actually thwart clean energy development in this state.
This week, environmental leaders from that coalition sent a letter to all Executive Board members of the California Democratic Party, imploring them to vote to OPPOSE this dangerously flawed initiative that could seriously set California back in our efforts to secure more sources of renewable power. Below is the text of that letter:
Dear California Democratic Party Executive Board Member,
On behalf of the California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV), Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies (CEERT), and The Vote Solar Initiative, we ask you to join with us as well as labor leaders and renewable energy developers in opposing a well-intentioned, but seriously flawed measure on California’s November ballot that is named the “Solar and Clean Energy Act” by its sponsors.
Despite its lofty promises, this measure will, instead, disrupt renewable energy development in California. Please join us at the Democratic Party Executive Board meeting Friday, June 13 – Sunday, June 15 and vote to oppose this measure.
Together, we have all worked hard and continue to fight in California for the increased use of renewable energy. And while this initiative seemingly lays out a laudable goal, it is so poorly drafted that it would actually disrupt renewable energy development in California.
We have carefully analyzed this proposition and even discussed the language with its proponents. Unfortunately, proponents were unwilling to address our significant concerns and have marched forward with this severely problematic measure despite strong opposition from environmental groups and the very renewable energy providers who purportedly would benefit from such a new law!
Enclosed is additional information, but in short, we believe this initiative should be opposed because it:
• Could slam the brakes on renewable energy development in the state by increasing the regulatory complexity of getting renewable power administered and by locking into law loopholes and other flawed language that is currently serving to slow renewables development.
• Could EXCLUDE smaller renewables providers from participating in California’s market. That’s why groups like the California Solar Energy Industries Association and the Independent Energy Producers Association (which represents organizations that deliver more than 80% of renewable power in California) oppose the measure.
• Would seriously limit environmental reviews and participation by local entities and citizens in the transmission approval process.
• Could jeopardize the achievement of the hard-fought near-term requirement for 20 percent renewable energy use.
We have enclosed a copy of a letter from dozens of leading environmental, renewable energy and labor groups, explaining why we believe this is a flawed initiative and should be opposed as well as additional information.
We firmly believe that renewable energy is an essential part of our future and should be promoted with sound policy. This initiative will take us in the wrong direction. Please vote to oppose this counter-productive initiative at the upcoming Executive Board meeting.
Dan Kalb is the Union of Concerned Scientist's California policy coordinator.
Comments
I haven't read a more unclear message than what you have written here. You say you are for renewables, but object to the one intiative that will promote its growth. Renewables need what the initiative provides as technologies and businesses grow the capacity to ultimately compete with the very industries that have a strangle hold on their potential for success.
Your letter doesn't point out one viable argument. It's miopic and doens't provide anything productive towward our national needs. The RPS provides the direction and goals clearly. What does your letter "clearly" state? Nothing.
This is classic demogogary that lets nothing happen. The initiative before Congress allows for the continued financial support for the continued growth of renewables and small business (yes jobs). Without them, you will see small businesses fold as there will be no reasonable payback for such projects. Have you seen how these incentives have impacted the cost of solar products? They are nearing grid parity and you want to pull the plug on such success now? Why?
Stop with the retoric. We have low cost energy needs now, not in 20 years, now. We can "hope" all we want, but working families and small businesses (jobs again) need this more than people who are financed through taxpayer financed grants and do nothing but argue points for argument sake and build nothing.
Posted by: Charlie at June 14, 2008 12:53 PM
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