A controversial statewide green energy initiative has been endorsed by the dean of the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, the Community Environmental Council, and Santa Barbara city councilmember Das Williams. The measure-promoted by John and Peter Sperling-would require that California generate half its energy from alternative sources by the year 2025. (Peter Sperling is a Santa Barbara resident who started CallWave; his father became a billionaire by starting the University of Phoenix.) Some enviros-especially some in the solar industry-have opposed the proposed initiative, saying it would gut existing environmental protections to accommodate alternative energy sources; supporters claim it would reduce California’s carbon footprint while creating new jobs and an entire new energy infrastructure.
Bren School, Others Back Sperling Green Energy Initiative
Some Claim Measure Could Undermine Existing Environmental Protections