The budget stalemate was a direct result of unreasonable demands made by both the Republican leadership and the Governor to roll back public health and environmental protections and weaken labor standards.
It's clear that Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg and Assembly Speaker Karen Bass managed to protect some important public health and environmental programs. However, the lives and lungs of all Californians took a significant hit in this deal.
We're particularly disappointed to see that the Republican leadership was able to derail the implementation of the California Air Resources Board's new rule to clean up polluting diesel equipment.
California has some of the worst air in the nation and the health of many Californians suffers as a result. The dirty diesel construction and farm equipment targeted by the rule is responsible for a sizeable slice of our pollution pie. Cleaning up those sources was critical to meeting federal air quality standards. If the state does not meet those standards, it not only affects our health, we also risk losing federal transportation funding.
Because of the ideological shortsightedness of Senator Cogdill and Assemblymember Villines, Californians will continue to suffer from life-threatening air pollution, especially in the very districts Republicans legislators represent.
A small minority should not be allowed to hold the entire state's economy hostage and demand a ransom that they could never get in the light of day because the vast majority of the public doesn't support it. This is proof that we must overturn the antiquated requirement of a supermajority vote to pass a state budget.
COMPROMISE STRUCK ON FEDERAL RECOVERY PACKAGE - SHOULD BE READY FOR PRESIDENT OBAMA'S SIGNATURE BY MONDAY
The House and Senate have put the final touches on a $787 billion federal economic recovery package that President Obama says will save or create 3.6 million American jobs. The package also dramatically alters the environmental landscape, investing billions of dollars in clean energy and conservation programs.
This package is about 64% spending programs and 36% tax cuts. The spending includes $120 billion on infrastructure and science, $46 billion on transportation, $14.2 billion on health, $105.9 billion for education and training, and $37.5 billion on energy.
The energy investments include increasing the energy efficiency of federal buildings, a plan that will create jobs and save taxpayers money. The House version of the stimulus bill originally proposed $7.7 billion for this project, but the compromise figure is somewhere around $4.5 billion. There is also a $250 million allocation for energy retrofitting and green investments in HUD-assisted housing projects.
Nearly $19 billion is allocated to environmental clean-up projects, including local clean and drinking water infrastructure improvements as well as Superfund clean up programs. It looks like an $8 billion allocation for high-speed rail construction, pressed for by President Obama, also made it into the final bill, along with $27 billion in highway projects and another $8 billion to modernize transit systems, purchase new equipment, and construct new commuter and light rail in an effort to increase public transportation opportunities.
The House voted to support the bill along party lines earlier today, with the Senate to follow. President Obama is expected to sign the bill on Monday.
Last Saturday the Sheraton Grand Hotel in downtown Sacramento was filled with over 300 participants for the Planning and Conservation League (PCL) and PCL Foundation's annual Environmental Legislative Symposium.
Our "Steps to a Sustainable California" theme resonated throughout the event with hopeful messages about California's ability to boost green jobs and protect the environment.
During the day attendees were treated to several thought-provoking keynote speakers, including Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg and Jakada Imani of the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights. The policy panels brought together many of California's best minds to explore how to build a sustainable environment with a focus on global warming, public health, water, and the land use. The MCLE sessions brought to light some of the most current information for legal professionals on wildland fires, water privatization, and conservation and land use agreements. The "How To…" workshops provided activists and environmental professionals with concrete strategies to build their volunteer base, activate new audiences, and effectively relay their message. We'll post presentation materials and PowerPoints on our website soon.
The evening awards banquet was especially touching because of the passion, courage, and persistence of the awardees. With over 200 in attendance, we honored Senator Sheila Kuehl, Terry Watt, Green L.A., Elva Yañez, and CREDO Mobile. This year we created the Dorothy Green Water Advocate Award in memory of our lost friend. The talented Miguel Luna received this new award for his work with the Agua University. The PCL Foundation created a Dorothy Green Fellowship as well; more details will be posted on our website soon. Senator Fran Pavley addressed the banquet crowd with an informative speech on California's environment, the Delta, and issues of water conservation.
Thanks to everyone who participated for making our 2009 Symposium a resounding success!
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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