Liberal Billionaires Take On The Koch Brothers In California Energy Fight ( Prop 23 lost )

Forbes ^ | Oct. 12 2010 - 2:40 pm | | Clare O'Connor

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Much has been written about the oil and gas billionaire Koch brothers and their multimillion-dollar donations to right-wing causes. Charles and David Koch’s combined $43 billion wealth has made them virtually unstoppable this election cycle; even prolific left-wing philanthropist George Soros recently said he was powerless against the “avalanche” of donations from conservative billionaires like the Kochs.

However, in recent days a handful of liberal billionaires have decided to take on the Kochs in one of the most hotly contested battles this election season: Proposition 23, the California ballot that may well prove a bellwether for the future of energy legislation in the U.S.

If Proposition 23 passes, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s landmark Global Warming Act of 2006 and its pollution reduction standards will be suspended, which would mark a huge win for big oil, including the Koch brothers’ Kansas conglomerate Koch Industries. The company has given $1 million to Yes on 23 through a subsidiary called Flint Hills Resources, according to paperwork filed with the California Secretary of State.

Also giving big money: California billionaire John Doerr, the world’s wealthiest venture capitalist, and his wife Ann, who have donated $1 million each to defeat Prop 23. Doerr has made huge investments in green tech through his firm Kleiner Perkins Caulfield & Byers, so would stand to lose out if the Koch brothers and other backers are successful in killing the clean energy bill.

[Marty62]

Whoa, that is not good. An such a beautiful State this really breaks my heart. But when I came to Texas it was weird. Suddenly I had this feeling of Freedom, and after about 2 months of getting to know people, I said THIS IS HOME.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

They want California for themselves and their surfs....

[whinecountry]

Very good to know. I’ve only traveled to TX a few times but it used to be a second home for my wife because of her frequent business travels to Dallas, San Antonio, etc. She LOVES TX and we were both moved by the recent sight of the classy Rangers ownership and fans.

[SunTzuWu]

They helped Doerr profit instead.

How? The Koch brothers were on the opposite side of the issue. Your post makes no sense to me. Am I missing something?

[Brett66]

California billionaire John Doerr, the world’s wealthiest venture capitalist, and his wife Ann, who have donated $1 million each to defeat Prop 23. Doerr has made huge investments in green tech through his firm Kleiner Perkins Caulfield & Byers, so would stand to lose out if the Koch brothers and other backers are successful in killing the clean energy bill.

[PATRIOT1876]

If any more nonsensical Global Warming Acts are passed in Kalifornia, you will see hundreds or thousands of businesses leave.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Ernest.

[steelyourfaith]

Thanx Ernest_at_the_Beach !

It is important to keep in perspective those who are funding the anthropogenic global warming fraud. According to Paul Driessen (author of Eco-Imperialism) on the G. Gordon Liddy show 12/1/09, hour 2: The US Big Government has funded $90 billion in GW research promotion over the past 20 years promoting climate crisis science.

 

Beam me to Planet Gore !

[Marine_Uncle]

Being the blue state it is, I guess I am not surprised to see the Prop32 shot down.

[SunTzuWu]

I see where I went wrong. The "they" you were referring to were the people who voted against prop 23, not the Koch brothers.

Thanks.