Meg
Whitman:
It’s
time
to
take
a
fresh
look
at
AB
32


Fox & Hounds

January 29, 2010

Let’s take the time to get it right. As we seek solutions to global climate change, California can’t
afford to make the wrong decisions. That’s why I’m calling for a fresh look at AB 32, the state’s far-
reaching law designed to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.

Our residents are struggling through the worst recession in decades. More than two million
Californians cannot find a job. While I believe many of AB 32’s goals are important, we must
carefully review which rules to pursue and make sure those rules spur innovation and help
California regain its economic footing.

We cannot afford more rules and regulations that result in unintended consequences and cost us
jobs and productivity.

The Wall Street Journal’s editorial page recently agreed that AB 32 needs more careful study: “The
impact will make the state even less attractive to start or expand a business.”

Gov. Schwarzenegger and the Legislature had the foresight to include in AB 32 a trigger to
postpone implementation of specific regulations when there is “a threat of significant economic
harm.” It’s painful to recognize, but we all know California’s economy is in deep distress. More
people are out of work in Los Angeles County alone than the entire population of Atlanta.

After I first proposed a one-year moratorium in September, many respected editorial pages,
including those at the Orange County Register, San Diego Union-Tribune and The Wall Street
Journal, agreed that the possible economic impacts of AB 32 were not fully studied. Even before
my proposal, California’s non-partisan Legislative Analyst’s Office reached the same conclusion.
We cannot end up with a program that puts California at a competitive disadvantage, especially
now as the federal government weighs new environmental laws.

I believe the right thing to do is to take the time, as provided for in the law, to figure out how AB
32 will impact our economy. Then we can move ahead at a wise and deliberate pace to reduce our
greenhouse emissions, without hurting our fragile economy. At the same time, we must support
the development and export of clean technologies.

Some critics have twisted the meaning of my call for a moratorium. They claim that I want to ax
the measure entirely, and some say I don’t believe California can benefit from the green economy.
Both assertions are false.
I believe we can meet many of AB 32’s goals by boosting our use of renewable energy, reducing
our dependence on fossil fuels and removing existing regulatory barriers that are stalling clean-
tech projects ready to go now. I am committed to making California the global leader in the use
and development of clean technologies.

As Governor, I will propose incentives for businesses and residents to invest in and develop
creative and cost-effective ways to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.
I learned during my 30 years in business that the most productive way to reach big goals is to
innovate instead of simply regulate.

My view is that California has long led the way in innovation, from defense, to entertainment, to
biotech, to computers and the Internet. It’s part of our DNA and there is no reason we cannot lead
in green technology.

If you have a great technology that helps people improve their lives, the chances are good it will
thrive. Making sure our state has the economic vitality not just to compete, but to seize the leading
role in clean technology, must be our top priority. We’re Californians. We can do this.

Paid
for
by
Meg
Whitman
for
Governor
2010


20813
Stevens
Creek
Blvd,
Suite
150

Cupertino,
CA
95014

www.megwhitman.com