ARNOLD SAYS YES ON ENERGY/CLIMATE BILL

Governor says world needs California's leadership on renewable energy
Arnold Schwarzenegger, June 14, 2009 (The Desert Sun)

"California has always been on the front lines…leading our country into a healthier, wealthier and more secure future…From motion pictures…to computer software…[to] a cleaner, greener environment…I'm proud that our state needs waivers from the Environmental Protection Agency because our air quality standards are so much better than the national average.

"Californians understand better than anyone that we need more jobs and a stronger economy. We need to stop climate change — and our best chance of achieving all three goals is to have Congress put a cap on carbon pollution…That's why I'm proud that California has become a leader once again - by championing the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009…[It is supported by] more than half a dozen members of California's Congressional delegation, including Palm Springs' Rep. Mary Bono Mack."

California's sun is a new gold rush waiting. (click to enlarge)

"A carbon cap is vital because the pollution that causes climate change has risen to dangerously high levels…We pay for the fuel we burn but not for the pollution we emit. That pollution causes serious damage to our world, and in the long run, we all pay for it...Imagine if we decided to let everyone dump their garbage on their neighbors' lawns instead of being forced to pay for trash pickup. Sure, it would be cheaper, but it would be disastrous to public health.

"A cap creates a symbolic trash collection system for carbon pollution…[and] rewards for companies that invent new, better ways of doing business. A cap will attract investment in the kind of cutting-edge companies for which California is world famous. It will give our state a chance to seize control of the renewable energy industry, which has the potential to create even more jobs and wealth than the Internet did.

"California has abundant resources to develop renewable energy, from wave power along the coastline to biofuel from farms…but capping carbon pollution has the potential to create businesses and jobs all across the country. At the same time, a carbon cap will reduce our dependence on imported oil and will help us avoid the deadly and extremely expensive effects of climate change."

EPA's analysis. (click to enlarge)

"Opponents of the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 used some political scare tactics during the House debates, including the claim that a carbon cap will raise your power bills by thousands of dollars…In fact, the Department of Energy estimates that a carbon cap will cost the average American household as little as $98 a year, or about a dime a day, per person. The bill also contains provisions to distribute some of the revenue generated to consumers to offset those costs and help keep power costs down.

"California…[doesn’t] shy away from challenges…[T]hat's why we so often succeed…[I]t's more important than ever that we continue our success rate. The world needs California leadership right now…"