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California has a record number of propositions on the November 4 ballot that will help or hinder us on our road to a healthier planet: Proposition 1a is for High Speed Rail funding, 2 seeks more humane treatment of farm animals, 7 deals with utility companies’ renewable energy requirements, and 10 would create rebates and other incentives for alternative fuel vehicles, especially those run with natural gas.

Right now, the U.S.A. lags behind other developed countries with regard to life expectancy and leads in CO2 emissions. California, whose economy is larger than Canada's, often sets national trends with its legislation. The officials we are about to elect, and these propositions, will impact more than this sunny state, and so our votes are viewed with interest around the world.

Unfortunately, two of these propositions, if passed, may not create the rosy picture that first glance might suggest. The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) and Sierra Club are both against Propositions 7 and 10. The Sierra Club states that "Prop. 7 ... lowers the penalty rate for utilities failing to meet renewable energy targets from 5 cents to only 1 cent per kilowatt-hour; it writes five loopholes into law for avoiding payment of penalties; it creates new regulatory problems for cities with ‘community choice’ clean energy plans; and it requires two-thirds of the State Legislature to repair any flaw--no matter how minor." UCS says that it would actually prevent California from reaching its clean energy goals.

Proposition 10 might clean up our air, as businesses will get large rebates for purchasing trucks that have lower emissions than diesel. But natural gas, clearly favored here, even if cleaner than oil (and gasoline), is still a fossil fuel and not unlimited. We need it for electricity and heating. This legislation bears a great cost over many years for a state in a budget crisis. Its passage is being fueled by a billionaire who will profit from it, and other clean vehicle options may not.

As for Props. 1a and 2, let's vote for the animals and trains, they won't be able to get to the polls. (Oh, and Santa Barbara - YES on A!)

Related Links

• League of Women Voters on the Propositions
• New York Times Op-Ed on Prop 10
• The Sierra Club on the Propositions
• Union of Concerned Scientists on Prop 7
• Union of Concerned Scientists on Prop 10
• More Ecofacts columns

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