Businessweek - "Calif. initiative a test for national climate law" - Oil Companies Are Watching

[TomCADem]

We must hold the line. Oil companies and the Koch billionaires are spending millions to repeal California's green energy laws to protect their energy monopoly based on fossil fuels. Can we as progressives stand up to such efforts to buy our votes in 2010 or, at minimum, our silence.

If the supporters of Proposition 23 prevail in the Nov. 2 election, California's landmark global warming law would be suspended indefinitely.

But the out-of-state oil companies funding the initiative appear to have their sights set higher. Success in halting California's climate-change law by showing the public doesn't support it would give momentum to the opponents of similar legislation that has stalled in Congress.

The ballot initiative also has the power to reverse one of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's signature environmental accomplishments. In 2006, he signed the Global Warming Solutions Act, a Democratic bill that requires reduction of greenhouse gas emissions statewide to 1990 levels over the next decade.

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Oil companies have contributed millions to pass Proposition 23 campaign, with $6.5 million coming from three sources: Texas-based Valero Corp. and Tesoro Corp., which have contributed $4 million and $1.5 million respectively; and Flint Hills Resources of Wichita, Kan., a company owned by David and Charles Koch, which donated $1 million. The Koch brothers have attracted media attention recently because of their contributions to Republican and tea party causes.

[mikelgb]

1. What is with the "Calif." I thought we all agreed on CA?

May be me but it seems like this was a deprecated style but now it has seen a recent resurgence?

apologies for off topicness

[wtmusic]

2. If it passes Prop 23 will cost me personally $5,000.

I've ordered a Nissan Leaf, and am eligible for a $5,000 CA tax rebate from AB 32. If Prop 23 passes, no rebate.