BERKELEY - November 3 - On Tuesday, California voters defeated Proposition 23, an initiative that would have crippled the state’s ability to implement its landmark climate and clean energy law, the Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32).

Below is a statement by Erin Rogers, western climate and energy program manager at the Union of Concerned Scientists.

“Oil companies and other polluters spent tens of millions of dollars to drive a stake in the green heart of the nation, but instead they galvanized a powerful, bipartisan coalition that showed the world that the public does in fact support clean energy policies that improve air quality, generate clean energy jobs, and put the brakes on global warming.

“Using fear-mongering and scare tactics, the polluters tried to convince Californians that a healthy economy and a clean environment are incompatible. Voters saw through that, recognizing that the two are intertwined. We can have both, and we can’t afford to have one without the other.

“The voters’ message to policymakers couldn’t be any clearer: Implement a renewable energy standard and a put a cap on global warming pollution—and make good on their promise to create new green jobs, strengthen energy security, and protect our health.

“The Union of Concerned Scientists and our volunteers and allies worked tirelessly to defeat Props 23. This is a huge victory for all Californians and it offers hope and momentum for climate and clean energy solutions both nationally and internationally.”