SACRAMENTO - Today, nine past leaders of the California State Legislature came out in support for SB 32 and SB 350. The statements below include former Assembly Speakers John Perez, Karen Bass, Fabian Nuñez, Herb Wesson, Bob Hertzberg, and Antonio Villaraigosa, as well as former leaders of the Senate Darrell Steinberg, John Burton, and David Roberti.
John Perez, Assembly Speaker (2010- 2014):
“California has demonstrated time and again that when we set our collective sights, no goal is too ambitious. We redefined the world of communications and information technology over the last two decades. There’s no reason we can’t do the same with our energy and transportation systems. Where others see a problem, we see opportunity – and we seize it. That’s why we are the greatest state in the Union and a global economic power. SB 350 and SB 32 will put California’s creativity and ingenuity to work for the sake of our children and future generations. I’m proud to support the bill and I urge our lawmakers to do the same.”
Karen Bass, Assembly Speaker (2008-2010):
"Climate change and air pollution are serious concerns for the African American and Latino community because we tend to live closer to power plants, freeways, refineries and other emitters, and we generally have fewer resources to cope with extreme weather impacts. Asthma is a huge problem, as is heart disease, both of which are made worse by air pollution. This is not some theoretical concern, it is a clear and present danger for our health, and it's a drain on our budgets. We should not be paying the price for pollution when we're not the ones profiting from it. I support healthy and affordable energy choices, and that's what SB 350 and SB 32 are about."
Fabian Nunez, Assembly Speaker (2004-2008):
“In 2006 I led California on a historic expedition with AB 32 to curb greenhouse gases and establish our state as a world leader in the fight against climate change. SB 32 will continue this example we set that has driven our economy into the 21st century. Senate Pro Tem Kevin de León is now taking the expedition further with SB 350 to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels and spur greater investments in a new, cleaner economy. Opponents of my bill are using the same arguments against SB 350 and SB 32. Californians weren’t fooled then and aren’t fooled now. We take pride in being forward thinking. Global warming is real and it will take forwarding thinking measures like SB 350 and SB 32 to preserve our environment for generations to come.”
Herb Wesson, Assembly Speaker (2002 -2004):
“California has been the envy of other states, regions and countries on clean energy job creation and investments for decades. From groundbreaking clean transportation standards to green buildings policies, our leadership is second to none. Cities and counties can't afford any delay in addressing climate change. I urge the Legislature to support SB 350 and SB 32, as I do, and continue to take the leading path toward protecting the health of Los Angeles residents, and all Californians.”
Bob Hertzberg, Assembly Speaker (2000-2002):
“SB 350 and SB 32 embody a vision for the future. It achieves in my judgment two critical goals: one, it reduces GHG’s which we know have an impact on our posterity, our highest calling; two, it does what is essential to our California economy: it domesticates energy production and by domesticating energy production in a globalizing world it means localized jobs. We have to be Californians; we have to be creative in how we can make that happen, how we can bring jobs here where instead of importing some asset. Transformation is us, it is who we are and it is the essence of the message of the Pro Tem’s and Senator Pavley’s measure.”
Antonio Villaraigosa, Assembly Speaker (1998-2000):
“As a former Speaker of the Assembly and Mayor of Los Angeles, I understand what’s at stake if we fail to take meaningful action to address climate change head on. Our health, our economy – and the California way of life – are all at risk from rising temperatures and sea levels. And the people who will suffer the most are those that are least able to adapt. We need to be steadfast in our commitment to action if we want to avoid the worst impacts. That’s why I’m proud to support SB 350 and SB 32.”
Darrell Steinberg, Senate President pro Tempore (2008-2014):
"Californian's are known around the world for our pioneering spirit, which has propelled us from the Gold Rush to the Internet Age. Now we have the opportunity -- and the moral obligation -- to lead once again in developing the cutting edge policies and technologies that will preserve the health of our planet, our economy and our communities. That's a legacy we should aspire to. SB 350 and SB 32 set a high bar for continued leadership, and I fully support Pro Tem De León and Senator Pavley’s efforts."
John Burton, Senate President pro Tempore (1998-2004):
"In my experience, the right choice and the most difficult choice are often one in the same. What we decide in those instances is the best litmus test of our character. Let's make SB 350 and SB 32 the law of the land and show the world what California is made of."
David Roberti, Senate President pro Tempore (1981-1994):
“Having served in the California Legislature for more than two-decades, including 13 years as the leader of the Senate, I know our state is capable of overcoming great challenges. Today, climate change is one of the greatest challenges we face. It is for this reason that I am supporting SB 350. There is no question that climate change is already altering our environment. If we are to avoid a future marked by extreme weather patterns, severe and extended droughts, rising sea levels, and other disastrous consequences, we must act now. California has always had the courage to do what is right – from standing up for civil rights to taking on the gun lobby. It’s time for the Legislature to stand up again for our health, our economy, and our environment and pass SB 350.”
#ActOnClimate #SB350
Separate the facts from the fiction on SB 350: http://focus.senate.ca.gov/climate/sb350-facts.
For more information on the California Climate Leadership Package visit http://focus.senate.ca.gov/climate.
###