CA: LAO to the rescue - It shreds claims climate policy will spur boom (Legislative Analyst Office)

San Diego Union-Tribune ^ | 11/27/08 | Editorial

[NormsRevenge]

For more than two years, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, leading California Democrats and environmentalists have insisted that AB 32 – a 2006 law requiring California businesses and residents to use cleaner but far more costly sources of energy by 2020 – would actually prove to be an economic bonanza. They asserted it would position the state to lead the world in green technology and reduce societal costs stemming from air pollution.

This claim falls apart under the slightest inspection. Sure, some well-positioned industries might thrive. But how could sharply increasing the operating costs of most businesses and reducing the disposable income of most individuals help the overall economy? Despite its illogic, Schwarzenegger's argument has largely gone unchallenged.

Thankfully, that is no longer the case. Last week, the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office released a study of the California Air Resources Board's “scoping plan” for implementing AB 32 and related measures. In low-key fashion, the study demolished the happy talk of the governor and his allies.

The LAO said the air board's report showing the “purported net economic benefit” of emission-reduction laws used “inconsistent and incomplete” methodology in which researchers ignored or downplayed evidence that countered the economic bonanza thesis.

Here's the most egregious example: Any measure that reduced a company's greenhouse gases in any way was deemed “cost-effective.” By this standard, it's cost-effective for a company to go out of business.

We asked the governor's staff to respond. What we got was a boilerplate statement repeating Schwarzenegger's happy talk and ignoring the LAO's conclusions.

This is unacceptable. In the governor's own words, the LAO has an “impeccable reputation” and has set a “high standard” with its analysis of state issues. When the LAO raises profound questions about the wisdom of a major state policy, state leaders are obligated to take these questions seriously.

We have no doubt Schwarzenegger sincerely believes that it is essential for California, the nation and the world to tackle global warming. But the rhetoric the governor employs to push his cause is devoid of candor.

This was underscored by recent news reports about the European Union, China and India – three of America's biggest trade rivals. All are rethinking recent commitments to cleaner fuels because of the likelihood that the added cost could make it more difficult for their already-reeling economics to rebound. In Europe and Asia, you see, there is a matter-of-fact acceptance that a shift toward cleaner energy has a downside.

The contrast with Schwarzenegger's pretend world could not be more striking. Perhaps we can import some honesty from Beijing, New Delhi or Brussels. On climate change, there's little to be found in Sacramento.

[NormsRevenge]

Any measure that reduced a company's greenhouse gases in any way was deemed “cost-effective.” By this standard, it's cost-effective for a company to go out of business.

We asked the governor's staff to respond. What we got was a boilerplate statement repeating Schwarzenegger's happy talk and ignoring the LAO's conclusions.

--

Business as usual.

[NormsRevenge]

I think aRnie just has a bad case of Global Varming.

A good worming and some leeches will fix him up muoy pronto.

[steelyourfaith]

 

Beam me to Planet Gore !

[NormsRevenge]

Links to Summary page and pdf file of full report

http://www.lao.ca.gov/laoapp/PubDetails.aspx?id=1896

LAO’s Critique of the AB 32 Scoping Plan Economic Analysis
November 21, 2008

Full Report: PDF
http://www.lao.ca.gov/2008/rsrc/ab32/AB32_scoping_plan_112108.pdf

We were asked to report on the draft scoping plan of the Air Resources Board (ARB) for implementation of the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Chapter 488, Statutes of 2006 [AB 32, Núñez]). We conclude that (1) the scoping plan’s overall emissions reductions and purported net economic benefit are highly reliant on one measure—the Pavley regulations, (2) the plan’s evaluation of the costs and savings of some recommended measures is inconsistent and incomplete, (3) Macroeconomic modeling results show a slight net economic benefit to the plan, but ARB failed to demonstrate the analytical rigor of its findings, (4) economic analysis played a limited role in development of scoping plan, and (5) despite its prediction of eventual net economic benefit, the scoping plan fails to lay out an investment pathway to reach its goals for GHG emissions levels in 2020.

[calcowgirl]

(5) despite its prediction of eventual net economic benefit, the scoping plan fails to lay out an investment pathway to reach its goals for GHG emissions levels in 2020.

Schwarzenegger will take this as justification to float another $50 billion in taxpayer funded bonds for "investment" purposes (unless he can get the "energy independence" and "fund everything green" types in DC give him the money).

[twistedwrench]

This report will be ignored, as with all other data.
CARB will vote to implement AB32 on Dec. 11-12.
Everything is in place for their agenda.
Massive propaganda campaign has worked on deceiving the public,
Autonomous law enforcement,
Income stream, Fees, Permits, Fines – for the time being.
Cooperation from other state agencies, CHP, DMV, OSHA ect.
and the most important, a like minded Federal EPA to grant waivers.

It’s going to be very interesting to see how this plays out.

[Lancey Howard]

How stupid do you have to be to fall for the "global warming" hoax, especially if you were around in the '70s (like I was - sigh) for the "global cooling" hoax? Even most Democrat socialists understand what the game is:

As the debate on man-made global warming has been heating up, the UN has tried to freeze out the scientists and new evidence, summarily dismissing them with the claim "the science is settled."

James M. Taylor, senior fellow for The Heartland Institute explained, "It is not surprising the UN has completely rejected dissenting voices. They have been doing this for years. The censorship of scientists is necessary to promote their political agenda. After the science reversed on the alarmist crowd, they claimed 'the debate is over' to serve their wealth redistribution agenda."

But Arnold isn't going along with the "global warming" agenda because he wants to advance socialism - - he actually believes there is a man-made "global warming" problem and that spending zillions of taxpayer dollars (whether through lawuits, government grants, or back-door mandates) can fix it!

A nefarious game by socialist Democrats to advance their agenda I understand - - but going along with it because of flat-out stupidity and naivette?? Totally unacceptable.
Go away, Arnold. Just go away.

[SierraWasp]

Thank the good Lord for honest, independent people like this LAO person!!!

As my son exclaimed as he squirted that fake whipped cream on his punkin pie:"look at all that carbon being released!" I answered:"Hey! Can you squirt that on in the shape of a footprint?"

[goldstategop]

The goals will never be met. The EU and Canada have balked at implementing far more modest global warming reductions. And with the global economy entering a recession, meeting a hypothetical global warming emergency will suddenly become a lot less urgent for politicians.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus