Weekly Green: September 3, 2015

Good afternoon, all. Recent news & opinion:

• Editorial boards, celebrities, and politicians opine in favor of SB 32 and SB 350;
• Coal divestment reaches Governor's desk;
• California launches improved campaign finance search site;
• And much more.

» Welcome to another edition of the Weekly Green, your no-frills news roundup provided free of charge by the California League of Conservation Voters. If you're not a regular subscriber, sign up for your free subscription today: http://ecovote.org/wg »

Climate Legislation: News & Opinion

Sacramento Bee: Far-reaching climate bills warrant approval
Forgive us if we’ve become jaded about oil industry claims that California as we know it will collapse if the Legislature approves bills aimed at further curbing emissions of greenhouse gas. Time and again, the state and the industry have survived efforts to address the all-too-real prospect of global warming. Though the measures almost certainly will be refined in the final two weeks of the legislative session, we urge legislators to support SB 32 and SB 350.
http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/editorials/article32666292.html

CLCV's action alert on SB 32 and SB 350: http://www.ecovote.org/climate

This Democrat's decision on climate change could be a game changer
Henry T. Perea was having a change of heart. For years, the Democratic assemblyman had griped about the Central Valley getting shortchanged by Sacramento and overshadowed by Los Angeles, San Francisco and other big-city magnets for state dollars. Now he was in a poor Fresno neighborhood, not far from where he grew up, standing in front of a constituent's home with newly installed rooftop solar panels -- paid for by a program he had publicly assailed.
http://www.latimes.com/local/great-reads/la-me-pol-c1-henry-perea-20150902-story.html

Will California redouble its push for clean energy? It all rides on this upcoming vote.
California is leading the nation on climate change and clean energy. But the next phase of its leadership is now on the line. At issue is a set of bills that would substantially expand the state's existing clean energy programs. The bills will come up for a vote in the California Assembly within the next week or two. The oil lobby has mounted a full-court press against the effort, and a handful of Democrats in the Assembly are wavering. The stakes could not be higher.
http://www.vox.com/2015/9/1/9235627/california-clean-energy-future

Fabian Nuñez: On climate change, California matters
Given the global scale of the problem, it's easy to conclude that California matters little in the upcoming international negotiations and in making a material impact on emissions. However, California's economy is the eighth largest in the world, and the state is a hub of technological and policy innovation.
http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_28740569/fabian-nunez-climate-change-california-matters

Democrats Have Lots of Ideas on Spending Cap-and-Trade Cash
Having money to spend isn’t exactly a problem in Sacramento. But when there’s cash, there are competing priorities — as evidenced by the 2015 battle over where to spend cash from California’s growing cap-and-trade fund. At issue is more than $2 billion in revenue already raised from cap-and-trade auctions, money paid by California companies for credits to offset their greenhouse gas emissions.
http://ww2.kqed.org/news/2015/09/01/democrats-have-lots-of-ideas-on-spending-cap-and-trade-cash

Dean Florez: Two bills, two momentous choices for Valley lawmakers
The choice before them could not be more stark: to stand with Big Oil and other powerful industries that have become their political benefactors in the short term or to create a new California that will stand as a global leader in a post-industrial green economy. In deciding whether to vote “yes” or “no” on two bills that will greatly restrict greenhouse-gas emissions over the next half-century, they will be choosing, quite simply, between our past and our future.
http://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/article32971746.html

Halle Berry, Catholic bishops voice support for California climate bills
California Democrats are calling on supporters in Hollywood and the Catholic Church as they push for climate change bills in the final two weeks of the legislative session.
http://www.latimes.com/local/political/la-me-pc-halle-berry-catholic-bishops-voice-support-for-climate-bills-20150831-story.html

California's congressional Dems push for state climate bills
Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer sent a letter to members of the California Assembly on Wednesday urging them to pass the bills before their legislative session ends next month. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and 25 other congressional Democrats endorsed the measures on Friday, as well.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/252185-californias-congressional-dems-push-for-state-climate-bills

Schwarzenegger: Let’s build California’s future
I hope the Legislature will continue California’s leadership toward a clean energy future by passing SB 32 by Senator Fran Pavley, which makes our goal of an 80% reduction in emissions by 2050 state law and adds a benchmark along the way to ensure we reduce emissions by 40% by 2030.
https://medium.com/@Schwarzenegger/let-s-build-california-s-future-e755f20de7cd

Historic climate-change bills in California Legislature go down to the wire
With the deadline for lawmakers to finish their work less than two weeks away, Gov. Jerry Brown and state Senate leader Kevin de León are working feverishly to pass what they call the year's most important legislation -- measures that both men believe will enhance their political legacies.
http://www.mercurynews.com/science/ci_28725373/historic-climate-change-bills-california-legislature-go-down

Climate change legislation approaches pivotal showdown with oil industry
With only a few days left in the current session of the California legislature, an aggressive political and public relations fight between the oil industry and top lawmakers over climate change legislation is moving into a final round.
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/aug/28/climate-change-legislation-showdown-california-sb350-sb32

Fox: Amending SB 350 on the Way to Paris
Senate President Kevin de León called the efforts of those opposed to his SB 350 energy bill “fear-mongering.” Gov. Jerry Brown’s chief aide, Nancy McFadden called one of the charges made against the bill “outrageous.” A columnist said the speculation of opponents was “outlandish.”
http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/2015/08/amending-sb-350-on-the-way-to-paris/

Lobbyists pile on for greenhouse-gas reduction bill
Perhaps no end-of-session fight is as fierce as that over Senate Bill 350, the legislation by Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León and backed by Gov. Jerry Brown meant to slash motor vehicle fuel consumption, double buildings’ energy efficiency and increase the use of renewable electricity.
http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article32683929.html

Jerry Brown, Senate Democrats find unlikely fight on climate bills
Earlier this summer, it would have appeared unlikely that environmentalists and their Democratic allies would have so much trouble passing new rules to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in California.
http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article32679234.html

Bill to strip coal from California pension portfolios heads to governor
California’s public pension funds would need to drop their current investments in coal and avoid making new ones under a bill the California Assembly sent to Gov. Jerry Brown on Wednesday. Advocates of SB 185, carried by Senate leader Kevin de León, D-Los Angeles, and passed on a 43-27 vote, argue California should not be lending financial support to the coal industry at a time when the state tries to expand the use of renewable energy.
http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article33542646.html

Herdt: They will take your cars! Or not
Back in 2002, the late Cal Worthington, California’s iconic late-night TV pitchman who hustled cars with the help of “his dog Spot,” joined with U.S. car manufacturers to launch one of the most deceptive lobbying campaigns in state history.
http://www.vcstar.com/opinion/columnists/timm-herdt/timm-herdt-they-will-take-your-cars-or-not_64131732

California climate researchers sound the alarm at symposium: 'There's no way out'
A warming atmosphere has already worsened California's drought and harmed coastal ecosystems, but the worst is yet to come, according to the latest scientific research presented this week on the interactions of air pollution, water reserves and weather patterns.
http://www.dailynews.com/article/20150825/NEWS/150829648

Campaign Finance and Voter Registration

California unveils improved campaign finance search site
Californians will have an easier time determining who is contributing money to political candidates and causes starting Thursday when Secretary of State Alex Padilla begins operation of a new searchable website.
http://www.latimes.com/local/political/la-me-pc-california-unveils-improved-campaign-finance-search-site-20150902-story.html

‘Power search’ offers new tool to follow California campaign money
Secretary of State Alex Padilla unveiled Wednesday a new “power search” lookup tool for state campaign donations, offering the public an alternative to California’s confusing Cal-Access campaign-finance website.
http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article33613008.html

Tracking Money in California Politics Might Get Easier
Tracking money is California politics could get easier starting Thursday when officials are expected to launch a new campaign finance search engine. “Power Search” was developed for the state by research firm MapLight. It will allow users to sort campaign money by categories, including elected official, geography, date range, ballot measure and by contributors. It will also offer data summaries, officials said.
http://www.capradio.org/56417

One Simple Change Could Drastically Improve Voter Turnout In California
As soon as this week, the California Senate could pass a bill to address its dismally low voter turnout by making registration automatic for the millions of residents with drivers licenses. Copying a landmark law passed by Oregon earlier this year, the policy would connect DMV records with voter registration rolls, putting the burden on the voter to opt-out rather than opt-in.
http://thinkprogress.org/election/2015/09/02/3697078/california-is-trying-everything-to-get-more-people-to-vote/

Mercury News editorial: Pass Padilla's super Motor Voter registration bill
California had a record-low 42 percent voter turnout in the 2014 statewide election, and nearly 7 million eligible citizens haven't even bothered to register. This in a state that prides itself on being open and inclusive, unlike some southern and heartland states that still are trying to narrow the opportunity for people to exercise their legal right to vote.
http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_28732872/mercury-news-editorial-pass-padillas-super-motor-voter

California Environmental News

California lawmakers pass sweeping ivory ban to curb elephant poaching
California made it illegal to sell ivory in 1977, but state law still permits the sale of older ivory imported more than four decades ago. If signed into law, Assembly Bill 96 would close that loophole and deter more poaching, says Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins, D-San Diego.
http://www.contracostatimes.com/breaking-news/ci_28747362/california-lawmakers-pass-sweeping-ivory-ban-curb-elephant

CLCV's action alert on AB 96: http://ecovote.org/SaveTheElephants

California Lawmakers Say Fracking Study Shows Lax Oversight
California lawmakers say the report by the California Council on Science and Technology and the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab outlined the lack of information state regulators have about fracking. The study said the state lacks data about the toxicity of hundreds of chemicals used in fracking as well as how wastewater from the process is disposed of or reused.
http://www.capradio.org/55942

California, US seek permits for giant water tunnels project
Federal and California agencies have filed some of the first permit applications for a proposed project involving the construction of twin 30-mile tunnels to help carry water from the northern to southern and central regions of the state, officials said Thursday.
http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/C/CA_CALIFORNIA_WATER_TUNNELS_CAOL-?SITE=CASON&SECTION=STATE&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2015-08-27-19-25-04

Californians cut water use 31.3% in July, crushing governor’s target
Californians answered the call for conservation in July, slashing water use by 31.3 percent and exceeding state targets for the second straight month that communities face potential fines for falling short.
http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Californians-cut-water-use-31-3-in-July-6469379.php

City folk ask: Don’t farmers and environment use more water?
Here’s how California’s water use breaks down: It’s 50.2% for environment, 40.9% for agriculture and 8.9% for urban residents and businesses, according to the state Department of Water Resources. The next question readers ask is important, since many cities are struggling with state-ordered water cutbacks of up to 36 percent. The answer from the state has not satisfied many readers.
http://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/earth-log/article32314215.html

Renewable energy requirement creates jobs, Berkeley study says
As lawmakers consider new measures to combat climate change, researchers at UC Berkeley released a study saying stronger renewable energy requirements would lead to new jobs. California law requires the state to get 33% of its electricity from renewable sources, such as solar and wind, by 2020. A bill by Sen. Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) would increase that standard to 50% by 2030.
http://www.latimes.com/local/political/la-me-pc-california-renewable-energy-jobs-20150828-story.html

PG&E plan would hit solar homes harder than previously thought
California’s utility companies have proposed making solar power less financially attractive to homeowners, now that so many are generating their own electricity and cutting their monthly bills. Now it appears that for customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Co., those changes could have a bigger impact than initially thought.
http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/PG-E-plan-would-hit-solar-homes-harder-than-6470191.php

Community, Farmers Split on Pesticide Regulation
More than 35,000 Monterey County schoolchildren will attend schools near fields treated with high levels of potentially dangerous pesticides—including chemicals that are known to harm the brain and nervous system, cause genetic mutations and disrupt hormonal regulation.
http://www.healthycal.org/community-farmers-split-on-pesticide-regulation/

Caltrans proposes wildlife overpass on 101 Freeway
Mountain lions, bobcats and other wildlife would have less chance of becoming roadkill if the state adopts a plan to build a landscaped bridge over the 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills, supporters of the proposal said Wednesday.
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-caltrans-proposes-wildlife-overpass-on-101-freeway-20150902-story.html

State orders California firm to stop tapping Sierra springs
Armed with evidence captured by surveillance cameras, California regulators have ordered a business to stop tapping Sierra Nevada spring water that is later bottled and sold in stores, officials said Wednesday.
http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CALIFORNIA_DROUGHT_WATER_CUTS_CAOL-?SITE=CASON&SECTION=STATE&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2015-09-02-18-17-54

Walters: California has other calamities to worry about
Gov. Jerry Brown says California’s drought and the wildfires it has spawned are wake-up calls about the potentially cataclysmic effects of climate change.
http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/dan-walters/article32378976.html

NASA satellites confirm sea levels are on the rise
An international fleet of satellites is showing that they have already risen an average of nearly 3 inches since 1992, with some ocean areas showing a rise as great as 9 inches, and an unavoidable sea level rise of at least several feet is coming, say NASA scientists who are analyzing the satellite measurements.
http://www.sfgate.com/science/article/NASA-satellites-confirm-seas-levels-are-on-the-6467791.php

Abcarian: How the drought has affected San Francisco's devastating lack of public restrooms
There are a lot of people whose lives have been adversely affected by the unrestricted flow of urine on the streets of San Francisco. On a hot summer day, the stench in some neighborhoods — the Tenderloin, the Mission and South of Market — is nearly unbearable.
http://www.latimes.com/local/abcarian/la-me-0828-abcarian-sf-urine-20150828-column.html

California Politics

The Capitol Backstory: California Politics Podcast
On this week’s California Politics Podcast, we examine a busy week of policy and political wrangling over bills clearing the legislative fiscal committees and their “suspense files,” a place where bills are killed without any legislator fingerprints. We also discuss a presidential boost for a closely watched climate change effort, and a change in leadership for state Senate Republicans.
http://ww2.kqed.org/news/2015/08/28/the-capitol-backstory-california-politics-podcast

Capitol Weekly's Top 100 list
Another Top 100 list is history. That odd sound you hear is our vast editorial staff shrieking with joy as they collapse with exhaustion. What started out as fun a few years ago has turned into hard work, but we think it’s worth it: The rundown is more complete, more detailed and more representative of the state power structure as we see it.
1-50: http://capitolweekly.net/top-100-1-50/
51-100: http://capitolweekly.net/top-100-51-100-second-half/

Thanks for reading the Weekly Green from the California League of Conservation Voters. If you're not a regular subscriber, don't forget to sign up today! Get your free subscription here: http://ecovote.org/wg

• Next Weekly Green
•  
• Previous Weekly Green