Letters To The Editor

Dear Editor:
The consensus analysis from many independent studies comes to a very different conclusion from Margo Thorning (Reverse AB 32 with Proposition 23, Capitol Weekly, October 21).  In July 2020, 118 Ph.D economists, including Nobel laureate Ken Arrow, and others with expertise in California energy and climate issues released an open letter warning against any delay in implementation of California clean energy policies.

The letter cites the many economic benefits from these policies, which include stimulating innovation and efficiency, improving energy security, creating new business opportunities and more jobs.

The most recent 2010 California Green Innovation Index provides impressive evidence and statistics documenting California’s increasing stature and leadership in green innovation, cleantech venture capital investment and energy productivity. These trends have accelerated since the introduction of AB 32.  

Dr. Thorning cherry picks analytic numbers that suit her arguments and neglects for example to mention that estimates of job impacts range from positive 397,000 to losses of 320,000 in a very pessimistic  scenario.  While no one knows exactly how many jobs AB 32 will create, we do know that all mainstream AB 32 economic analyses show robust economic growth after AB 32 implementation, and a relatively minimal impact on the economy overall.

There’s no sense in pitting green collar jobs versus blue collar jobs. This is not a zero-sum game. California’s clean energy future will require quality jobs for workers of all stripes, and that’s a good thing for our economy.

Jasmin Ansar
Climate Economist,
Union of Concerned Scientists, Berkeley

Dear Editor:
PawPAC, California’s political action committee for animals, founded in 1980, has just published its latest annual Voting Chart and endorsement list.

Legislators of the Year for 2010 are Senator Dean Florez, D-Bakersfield, and Assemblymember Pedro Nava, D-Santa Barbara.  Sadly, both these stalwart animal advocates are termed out.  May their tribe increase.

On the eight animal welfare bills considered on the chart 13 legislators earned a grade of A+.  There were 39 A’s, 12 B’s, 18 C’s, 5 D’s, and 27 F’s.  Plus a minor miracle:  For the first time in PawPAC’s 30-year history a Republican earned an “A” grade.  Three guesses….

For a copy of the PawPAC 2010 Voting Chart and endorsement list, call 415/646-0622, or see our website, www.pawpac.org.

And a P.S. – The governor’s race is more than a beauty contest.  He/she appoints judges, members of the Coastal Commission, the Director of Fish & Game, the F&G Commissioners, and a host of others, all things to consider when you vote on Nov. 2.

Eric Mills, coordinator
Action for Animals,
PawPAC board member