TOO HUNG UP TO HELP: SET ON WEAKENING ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS, GOVERNOR VETOES DEM'S BUDGET; FINANCIAL OUTLOOK FOR STATE WORSENS
While lawmakers throughout the country are struggling to solve the growing economic crisis, Governor Schwarzenegger appears intent on driving our state's economy over a cliff.
On Tuesday, the Governor vetoed a package of bills aimed at stopping the state's financial bleeding. Instead of focusing on positive ways to address the anticipated $40 billion state budget gap, Governor Schwarzenegger is taking this opportunity to demand, among other things, that the Legislature remove environmental and public health safeguards for some of the worst road building projects in the state.
The Governor's ideological demands are bad news for California's environment and its economy.
Just as our national leaders are embracing the notion that we can leverage our economic recovery to move our country toward energy independence and a cleaner, greener future, the Governor is demanding the state throw its money at pet projects that pollute our communities, worsen global warming, and keep commuters stuck in their cars.
What's more, his actions are costing Californians jobs. The current budget gridlock has now shut off about $16 billion that was headed toward existing, state-approved, environmentally-reviewed projects, forcing layoffs throughout the state.
The Governor seems to believe that allowing our economy to continue crashing, leading to higher unemployment and greater budget crises, is an acceptable consequence if the Legislature won't swallow his unpopular policies. If you don't agree, we suggest you let him know.
PCL FOUNDATION'S LOCAL CLIMATE ACTION INITIATIVE TOOLKIT NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
Want to learn how to cut the carbon footprint of new development in your community? Now you're only a click away!
The PCL Foundation is pleased to announce that our Local Climate Action InitiativeToolkit is now available for free download. Get the latest information on effective policy engagement opportunities and successful campaign strategies in this how-to manual for community organizations and grassroots environmental leaders. Don't miss our profiles of successful grassroots climate campaigns led by groups just like yours!
The PCL Foundation also offers Local Climate Action Initiative workshops to provide practical policy information, facilitate strategy building, and connect individuals working on similar issues throughout California. To request a workshop in your community, please contact PCL's Global Warming Program Manager Matt Vander Sluis.
LEARN ABOUT NEEDED WATER REFORM UNDER THE "NEW NORMAL" IN CALIFORNA AT THE PCL SYMPOSIUM ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2009
The ongoing crises in the Bay Delta, the extended drought on the Colorado River and continued contamination of groundwater basins in the state threaten California's critical water resources. California must also secure water supplies to accommodate millions more residents in the coming decades. Our current water challenges are further exacerbated by the expected impacts of climate change such as decreasing snowpack and earlier spring runoff.
If California is to have a reliable water supply to sustain our population, accommodate our economic growth, and maintain our unique environment, our current set of water management strategies must be updated as we enter into a new - and uncertain - "normal."
Panelists Stuart Leavenworth (Sacramento Bee) and Dennis O'Connor (Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water) will discuss how California can meet its water needs under these changing conditions.
Register for the PCL-PCLF Symposium and Banquet early to guarantee your seat - we sold out last year! 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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