Proposition 23: Suspension of AB32 (Global Warming Tax)

Back in 2006, the California legislature passed AB32. This measure, which was signed by Governor Schwarzenegger, allows the state to regulate greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2). The goal of AB32 is to reduce such gas emissions by 2020.

AB32 is a huge job-killer. It’s a huge boon for regulators and a disaster for California taxpayers. Proposition 23 on the ballot would suspend AB32 until unemployment in California was 5.5% (or less).

Whether global warming is a reality or not continues to be debated. Whether AB32 would change anything is fairly clear, though. California is not the world, and if the world continues to emit CO2 the state can’t wall itself off into its own atmosphere.

I agree with opponents of Proposition 23 that the measure would hurt California’s alternative energy industries. Of course, opponents don’t tell you that (a) Proposition 23 would save far more jobs in other industries; (b) alternative energy industries either need heavy subsidies or heavy taxes on other sources of energy to be competitive; and (c) AB32 being implemented will harm California’s competitiveness.

Remember to vote on November 2nd.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, October 28th, 2010 at 3:13 am and is filed under California. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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