Will passing the mandate to cut petroleum use 50-percent in 15 years result in lines at gas stations like California experienced in the 1970s? I don’t know, but the California Driver’s Alliance, which opposes SB 350 argues that if the bill becomes law gas rationing could result. Gas rationing could lead to those frustrating long lines at gas stations.
The truth is no one knows for sure but it’s worth considering. The legislature should take its time understanding consequences that could result from SB 350’s mandates to cut petroleum use, increase renewable energy quotas and double energy efficiency in buildings by 2030.
Given the revelation this week that a previous attempt to change laws dealing with clean energy fell woefully short of its mark, the legislature shouldn’t rush to pass –and the governor to sign — this legislation that has so many uncertainties and concerns tied to it.
The greatest concerns have to do with the measure’s cost effects on the economy and on poorer and middle class citizens.
We learned this week that Proposition 39 of 2012 has so far failed to live up to the promises made during the campaign. Spending from tax increases overseen by an oversight committee was supposed to provide 11,000 new clean-energy jobs a year and save the state millions of dollars. Over three years, only five-percent of the promised jobs have been created and it is unclear how many of those jobs belong to consultants and auditors rather than people involved directly in achieving clean energy.
Meanwhile, the promise of oversight has not been fulfilled since the oversight committee has yet to meet.
The fact that Proposition 39 has not lived up to promises should give the legislature pause on what SB 350 would accomplish and when. Taking more time to delve into the issues and understand consequences would better serve the public.
In defending the slow application of Prop 39, leading proponent and author of SB 350, Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León said, “We are taking our time because I think we want to do things right.”
Shouldn’t the same logic apply to SB 350, Senator?