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A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact: Elliott Negin,Media Director,enegin@ucsusa.org

Prop 23 Defeat is Mandate for Clean Energy

Statement by Erin Rogers

BERKELEY

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."

The Union of Concerned Scientists is the leading science-based nonprofit working for a healthy environment and a safer world. UCS combines independent scientific research and citizen action to develop innovative, practical solutions and to secure responsible changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices.