Three major environmental ballot initiatives: Prop84, Prop 87, & Prop 90.

[Guest guest]

The passage of the landmark Global Warming Solutions Act (AB-32)

last month makes this a truly historic time for environmental

progress here in the Golden State.

 

That's why I am writing today to ask you to help build on our

momentum by pledging to go to the polls next month to vote on

three major environmental ballot initiatives:

http://action.environmentaldefense.org/campaign/2006_CA_ballot/wsxegxz053b357?

 

-- Vote YES on Proposition 84 -- Water Quality, Safety and

Supply. Flood Control. Natural Resource Protection. Park

Improvements.

 

-- Vote YES on Proposition 87 -- Alternative Energy. Research,

Production, Incentives. Tax on California Oil Producers.

 

-- Vote NO on Proposition 90 -- Government Acquisition,

Regulation of Private Property.

 

Together, these three initiatives cover an expansive range of

environmental standards in California -- from water conservation

to clean energy proposals to protections for endangered species.

 

-- Proposition 84 would authorize $5.4 billion to fund water

infrastructure, flood control, park improvements and natural

resource conservation projects. With California's population

growing statewide, these investments are needed to help fund

water conservation projects, maintain access to clean drinking

water, protect our coastal resources and implement landmark

restoration efforts, such as the recently settled San Joaquin

River Agreement.

 

-- Proposition 87 would establish incentives for investments in

alternative energy and reduce our dependence on oil by following

the example of all other oil producing states and imposing fees

on California oil extraction industry. These fees would generate

up to $500 million annually, which will be deposited into the

newly established California Energy Independence Fund to promote

development of alternative energy programs.

 

-- Proposition 90 would restrict protections for our natural

resources, water quality and wildlife habitat by allowing

virtually anyone to sue government agencies claiming that new

public health or environmental standards diminish the value of

their property or business. Ultimately, it would be taxpayers

who shoulder the burden of these claims, while state and local

governments would be rendered incapable of enacting even the

most basic protections of our quality of life.

 

A lot is riding on the fate of these three proposals. Will

California continue to be a world leader in conservation

innovation? Will we continue to protect our natural resources

and wildlife? Will we take a big step toward a cleaner and safer

energy future?

 

This is a critical election for California's environment. You

have the chance to help pass two very good environmental

programs and to stop one bad one.

 

Take the first step today by pledging to vote YES on

Propositions 84 and 87 and to vote NO on Proposition 90:

http://action.environmentaldefense.org/campaign/2006_CA_ballot/wsxegxz053b357?

 

You can also take this opportunity to encourage your friends to

join the pledge:

http://action.environmentaldefense.org/campaign/2006_CA_ballot/forward/wsxegxz05\

3b357?

 

California's natural beauty and environmental standards make

this a special place and we're all very lucky to live here. Next

month, let's vote to keep it that way.

 

Thank you for all that you do,

Tom Graff

Regional Director

 

(reposted by Lisa C. Lisa )