California Should Be the Coolest (LA Times Barf Alert!)

LA Times ^ | 8/13/06 | Editorial

[NormsRevenge]

BEFORE THIS MONTH IS OVER, the Legislature and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger have a chance to make California a world leader in reducing global warming. It's an opportunity the state — and the rest of the planet, for that matter — can't afford to miss.

The Global Warming Solutions Act, or AB 32, would place limits on carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted in the state, codifying pollution goals Schwarzenegger approved last year. ...

--snip--

Some business leaders, however, including the California Chamber of Commerce, worry that the bill is a "job killer." They say it would increase costs for California power plants, refineries and cement factories and encourage companies to relocate to states with no such regulations. They also argue that limits on emissions could hinder California's energy production and lead to rolling blackouts during heat waves like last month's.

Their fears are overblown. California — and California business — needs AB 32.

The real "job killer" is global warming. If hotter days shrink California's premium vineyards, that's a job killer. If more precipitation falls as rain than snow, the Sierra snowpack dwindles and the fragile infrastructure built to control floods and allocate water rights in the state's Central Valley collapses, that's a job killer. If warmer temperatures make it harder for California to rid its air of smog, that's a job killer. Global warming puts property, jobs and, yes, corporations at risk.

In fact, AB 32 could help create jobs. Capping carbon emissions could help spur an alternative-energy boom and research into alternative-energy technology that could help the economy grow and ease future energy shortages. Opening the door to these opportunities now would give California a competitive advantage when the rest of the nation catches up.

[NormsRevenge]

The byline

Gov. Schwarzenegger has an opportunity to make the state a leader on global warming

[Sybeck1]

Sounds like it could take Cali back to the 1930's.

[sgtbono2002]

First thing they should do is outlaw cars and all ride bicycles to work. Then they should stop buying electricity that isnt produced in California,thereby helping other states to reduce their pollution.

[BobL]

It sounds like they're going after their alread non-existant industrial base. They took care of their industry over the past 30 years with their pollution requirements (and many other hassles). They can also drive more power plants to neighboring states, but I'm not sure how much that will prevent global warming. At this point, they're chasing ghosts, if they want industry to clean up.

If they really want to get serious about global warming, they could outlaw imports from the country that will be the biggest contributor in 2012, which is China.

But the big area to go after is motor vehicles. What they need to do is impose a $5 per gallon tax on fuel. By doing so, people will cut out unnecessary driving. Bill Clinton got raked over the coals for 5 cents, so it's unlikely that this will get very far (i.e., past the giggle test), but that is the only option, other than the Cambodian solution.

[A message]

In fact, AB 32 could help create jobs.

Could? Could? We should vote yes on a boondoggle proposal because of some fanciful ladedadeda could.

I flew over the Sierras early July and many of the small lakes and ponds up there were still frozen over, even the pilot made a comment on the intercom how much was still frozen.

These Warmies are out of their minds.

The Democrats talk about the Republicans and fear mongering over terrorism. yet, they fear monger over something they can not even prove is happening in regards to man made caused global warming.

[Still Thinking]

Too bad Cali's on the left coast. If there were states to the west (upwind during prevailing winds), and I owned a business in Cali, I'd move about 12 feet across the border to the west, where they'd get my emissions but not my taxes, and I'd get their consumers' money but not their regulation!

[calcowgirl]

In fact, AB 32 could help create jobs.

This is the same bogus salesjob by the same people that brought us the $3 Billion taxpayer funded Stem Cell Research boondoggle.

The carbon trading venture is backed by John Doerr and the Kleiner Perkins vulture capitalists who think it is easier to take your taxpayer money than it is to let the free market do the job. It will create "jobs" developing "green" technologies while traditional productive businesses flee the state.

Regulate, regulate, regulate. Tax, tax, tax. Bye-bye business.

[calcowgirl]

Could? Could? We should vote yes on a boondoggle proposal ...

We don't get to vote on this one. We are at the mercy of our "representatives" in Sacramento.

[capitalist229]

Anything that weakens the Peoples Republic of California can only be good for conservatism.

BUMP

[Lord Basil]

I think you missed the "corrected" version:

In fact, AB 32 could help create jobs in other states.

[calcowgirl]

Update #3:

In fact, AB 32 could will help create jobs in other states.

[kenth]

In fact, AB 32 could help create jobs. Capping carbon emissions could help spur an alternative-energy boom and research into alternative-energy technology that could help the economy grow and ease future energy shortages. Opening the door to these opportunities now would give California a competitive advantage when the rest of the nation catches up.

Isn't there some kind of wishful thinking award?

[ffusco]

First tackle global warming, then:
mudslides, wildfires, shark and bear attacks, earthquakes and riots. Good Plan.

[goldstategop]

If you shut down California's economy, I guess it could happen. As Canada's Environment Minister explained, the only way Kyoto can be realized is if you stop living. I'm not surprised by the Los Angeles Times wackadoos endorsement. The weather has clearly left them addled. Global warming is a bunch of hot air.

(Go Israel, Go! Slap 'Em Down Hezbullies.)