Vetoes Prime Opportunity to Catalyze Sustainable Communities and Reduce Congestion
SACRAMENTO, CA–(ENEWSPF)–October 1, 2012 – Over the weekend, California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law AB 1532 and SB 535, two bills that will play a key role in the environmental health and economic recovery of California, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.
While the signing of these bills is welcome, in a shortsighted move Governor Brown also vetoed SB 1156, making it tougher for cities to develop sustainable communities and transit projects that reduce congestion and provide affordable housing for Californians.
Following is a statement from Ann Notthoff, NRDC’s California Advocacy Director:
“By signing AB 1532 and SB 535, Governor Brown is endorsing win-win solutions that will lead to a strong economy and a clean environment in California. Thanks go to Governor Brown and the Legislature for their commitment to policies that tackle climate change, protect public health and stimulate the economy. The Governor’s signature on these bills helps move California forward toward a clean and prosperous future.”
“And while we have a victory for our clean energy economy, we lost on other counts. Governor Brown’s shortsighted move to veto SB 1156 means California will continue to suffer from congested highways and lack funding to build more sustainable communities across California. Supported by a broad coalition including labor, homebuilders, business, environmental and affordable housing groups, SB 1156 would have provided needed funds for cities to carry out nationally-renowned sustainable communities strategies to reduce congestion and global warming pollution.”
Following are the bills NRDC supported that were signed or vetoed by Governor Brown:
Signed: Clean Air Investments
AB 1532 and SB 535: Working together, these bills will create a framework to maximize the return on investments under California’s Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32) and reduce pollution in communities where it’s needed most. AB 1532 authored by Speaker John Pérez (D-Vernon) will establish a public planning process for allocating revenues from AB 32; and SB 535, authored by Senator Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles), ensures that a percentage of the revenues are invested in California’s most disadvantaged communities.
Vetoed: Sustainable Communities Investment Authority
SB 1156: Authored by Senate Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) would have given local governments the tools they need to build communities that reduce the need to drive and create sustainable communities for Californians. The legislation would have provided much needed funding for transit projects that effectively reduce congestion and reduce air pollution.
- Read about NRDC’s new report about SB 375, A Bold Plan for Sustainable California Communities: http://bit.ly/S2gPmF
- Read more about sustainable communities from Amanda Eaken’s blog: http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/aeaken/
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Source: nrdc.org