SACRAMENTO, CA - Joined by environmental leaders on "Climate Change Lobby Day," California State Treasurer and Democratic nominee for Governor Phil Angelides today pledged to combat climate change and vowed to clean up the influence of money and special interests in state government. Angelides' announcement comes as Governor Schwarzenegger attempts to gut Assembly Bill 32 (Nunez and Pavley) - a crucial bill that would fight global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in California.
"As the next Governor of California I will be a true reformer and I will work from day one to clean up the way business is done in Sacramento," said Angelides. "When it comes to true measures to combat climate change and the greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming, let me be clear - unlike Gov. Schwarzenegger, who talks a good talk, I will walk the walk and not be in the pocket of the big oil and gas interests."
Angelides pledged to sign AB 32 as written and reaffirmed his support for the Clean Alternative Energy Initiative - Prop 87 on the November ballot - which will provide $400 million per year for alternative energy to reduce our reliance on petroleum and combat global warming. Angelides also has his own plan, Clean California, which sets a goal of reducing California's gasoline and diesel use by 25 percent in ten years, making California the world leader in developing clean and renewable fuels.
"Governor Schwarzenegger's flip-flops and sell-outs are never clearer than when you examine his record on the environment, and special interest money is the common denominator on all of these," said Angelides. "From Big Oil to the power industry and other corporate interests, there is a decided cause and effect to Schwarzenegger's actions."
In 2003, Schwarzenegger pledged to increase energy production. But when it came to legislation requiring the power industry to generate 20 percent of their energy from renewable sources like wind energy, he vetoed the bill (AB 1478). Schwarzenegger also had the chance to endorse Prop 87, but instead the Governor is siding with the big oil companies in opposing Prop 87.
Most recently, while British Prime Minister Tony Blair was visiting California last week, Schwarzenegger held a photo-op at the Port of Long Beach to discuss global warming and pollution at the port. However, when Schwarzenegger had the opportunity to crack down on pollution at the ports that poisons the air children breathe, he vetoed the legislation (AB 2042).
"I'll be a different kind of Governor - a Governor you can count on to do what's right for the state, our people and the environment."
To read more about Angelides' plans to protect the environment, please visit www.ProtectOurGoldenState.com.
