In this program, we discuss California’s Prop 7, which would mandate that utilities obtain 20% of their power from renewable resources by 2010, 40% by 2020, and 50% by 2025. Representing Yes On Seven is Donald Aitken, formerly Chair of Environmental Sciences at San Jose State. Speaking against the proposition is Jan Smutny-Jones Executive Director of the Independent Energy Producers Association.

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Proposition 7:

  • Requires utilities, including government-owned utilities, to generate 20% of their power from renewable energy by 2010.
  • Raises requirement for utilities to 40% by 2020 and 50% by 2025.
  • Imposes penalties  for noncompliance.
  • Fast-tracks approval for new renewable energy plants.Requires utilities to sign longer contracts (20 year minimum) to procure renewable energy.
  • Creates account to purchase rights-of-way and facilities for the transmission of renewable energy. 

ARGUMENTS IN FAVOR OF PROP 7 (from the California Voter’s Guide):

 

  • 7 is a balanced solution that will reduce the rising costs of energy, and limit the dangers of global warming, including increased wildfires, water shortages, threats to endangered species, and illnesses from heat induced pollution.
  • Make California the world leader in clean power technology. Help create over 370,000 new high wage jobs.·         
  • If the utilities fail to meet renewable energy standards, utilities are prohibited from passing on penalty costs to consumers.·         
  • Proposition 7’s shift to solar and clean energy is guaranteed to never add more than 3% per year to our electrical bills.
SUMMARY OF ARGUMENTS AGAINST:
  • Prop. 7 is a flawed measure that will:
    • NOT achieve its stated goals and will actually disrupt renewable power development.
    • Shut small renewable energy companies out of California’s market.
    • Unnecessarily increase electric bills and taxpayer costs by hundreds of millions of dollars, without achieving its stated goals.
    • Create market conditions that could lead to another energy crisis.
  • Proposition 7 allows power providers to always charge 10% above the market price of power, stifling competition for renewable power.

FOR FURTHER STUDY:

  • California Voter Information Guide (delivered by mail, call 1-800-345-8683)   Online http://www.voterguide.sos.ca.gov/
  • Yes: www.Yeson7.net             No:  www.NoProp7.com

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