UNSTIMULATING PROPOSAL: ATTACK ON CEQA IS BAD NEWS FOR ENVIRONMENT, ECONOMY
Should we try to help fix the state's fiscal crisis by pulling our punches on the climate crisis? Governor Schwarzenegger seems to be heading in that direction. His Economic Stimulus Plan, released last Thursday, calls for "environmental process exemptions" for Proposition 1B bond projects, bypassing the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). In essence, the Governor is claiming that the economic benefit of getting transportation and flood protection projects underway quickly will outweigh the benefits we'll get from conducting careful environmental reviews that would ensure we're funding the best projects while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and other negative impacts.
Not only is that idea bad for the environment, it's a short sighted policy even in economic terms. This week a new study from California State University Fullerton estimates the cost of air pollution in the Los Angeles basin and the San Joaquin Valley at $28 billion a year due to the severe health impacts. Recent projections of the economic effects of global warming on California's industries, infrastructure, and public health are even more staggering. Spending the state's money on new infrastructure projects that would exacerbate these problems would be like encouraging spending on junk food and cigarettes; the immediate economic gain is dwarfed by the resultant economic effects. Conversely, making infrastructure investments that reduce vehicle miles traveled and mitigate for environmental impacts can strengthen our economy and erase our mounting public health costs.
PCL and other environmental organizations based in Sacramento have written to the Legislature, urging that CEQA and the state's commitment to reduce global warming emissions not be sacrificed as we find ways to balance the budget and address California's mounting fiscal challenges.
PCL FOUNDATION ADDS CEQA WORKSHOP IN STOCKTON - SIGN UP TODAY!
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is California's premier environmental law, giving ordinary individuals the power to affect decisions about activities that could degrade public health and damage the environment. Want to know how CEQA can work for your community? You're in luck!
The PCL Foundation is partnering with local groups throughout the state to present our popular CEQA workshops, featuring our updated "Community Guide to CEQA." We'll review the fundamentals of CEQA, identify the key legal obligations of public agencies, and provide helpful tips on how to make sure those obligations are met. Our workshop also highlights how CEQA can aid local residents in helping to fight global warming and to improve local resiliency to the effects of global warming.
For more information, or to request a workshop in your community, please contact Justin Saydell at (916) 313-4506 or jsaydell@pcl.org.
GETTING ON TRACK TAKES WORK: PCL SYMPOSIUM OFFERS PANEL ON GROWING THE GREEN ECONOMY
As the global economy sputters and environmental crises multiply, we're hearing a lot about the need for a new economic approach. Well here's where the (sustainably produced, non-petroleum based) rubber meets the road! Join us at PCL's 2009 Environmental Legislative Symposium to explore ways to grow California's Green Economy and get our state moving toward a sustainable future.
A Political and Socio-Economic Challenge: A Just, Green Economy
In this panel discussion, members representing labor, social justice and business will explore the ways in which public, private, and community stakeholders can collaborate to move us toward green technology and quality jobs that will sustain citizens, the economy, and the environment. Panel members will address the policy, business plans, and education/training necessary to drive an effective and socially conscious Green Economy.
Speakers include:
• Peter Cooper, California Labor Federation;
• Aaron Lehmer, Ella Baker Center for Human Rights; and
• Peter Asmus, Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies.
Register early for the PCL-PCLF Symposium and Banquet. The event is on Saturday, February 7, 2009 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in downtown Sacramento. For more information, contact Melanie Schlotterbeck at (714) 779-7561 or MSchlotterbeck@pcl.org.
1107 9th Street, Suite 360, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone (916) 444-8726 • Fax (916) 448-1789
1107 9th Street, Suite 360, Sacramento, CA 95814 • Phone (916) 444-8726 • Fax (916) 448-1789 •
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