Governor’s Demand to Strip Environmental Laws is a Bridge to Nowhere

Schwarzenegger’s Call to Exempt CEQA for Big Transportation Projects is Unnecessary and Violates His Promise that the Economy and Environment are Compatible

Oakland, Calif. (Dec. 22, 2008) - “The Governor’s demand to sacrifice California’s basic environmental law to stimulate the economy is both unnecessary and will delay investing in California’s green economy” said Warner Chabot, CEO of the California League of Conservation Voters today. “For many years the Governor earned a reputation as an environmental champion by arguing that a strong environment and strong economy are compatible (please see attachment 1). But, the Governor’s current demands to give his highway department a free pass from environmental review contradicts everything he’s said,” charged Mr. Chabot.

California’s budget crisis is deadlocked in part, due to the Governor’s demand that 11 big transportation projects be exempt from further environmental review. “As a national climate change champion, it’s illogical and unnecessary that he now demands that his highway department be exempt from examining the pollution and climate impacts of these projects,” said Mr. Dan Jacobson, Legislative Director of Environment California (please see attachment 2).

For example, Schwarzenegger wants to exempt a major freeway expansion near Caldecott Tunnel from environmental mitigation, including air quality and noise protections for school children at two schools right next to the project. “We shouldn’t gamble public health for short term jobs. In addition, the Governor’s arguments make little economic sense. Four of the 12 projects slated for CEQA exemption won’t begin construction until 2011 or 2012 so exempting them from CEQA won’t accelerate their construction now,” said Mr. Chabot.

“The real tragedy for California’s economy is that the deadlock imposed by the Governor is delaying $16 billion in badly needed stimulus projects all ready to go, because without the revenue the legislature approved, the State does not have the money to proceed with these projects,” added Mr. Chabot.

“We urge the Governor to return to his earlier principals that the economy and the environment are compatible. He can achieve a fast, effective economic stimulus without sacrificing our basic environmental laws. We call on the Governor to provide the leadership that our state and nation need to solve this economic crisis,’ concluded Mr. Chabot.

About the California League of Conservation Voters

The political muscle of the environmental movement in America’s leading environmental state, the California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV) is the nation’s oldest grassroots environmental political action organization. CLCV uses sophisticated campaign tools to help elect pro-environment officials – and to hold them accountable for passing legislation to protect health, communities and the environment. CLCV publishes the annual California Environmental Scorecard, which rates the actions of every state legislator and the governor on the state’s environmental priorities each legislative year. For the results of the 35th annual California Environmental Scorecard, and for information on CLCV’s 2008 election priorities and endorsements, visit www.ecovote.org.

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