Oil industries’ countless millions control politicians

A recent Bee editorial praised “moderate Democrats” in the state assembly, particularly Henry T. Perea, for challenging SB 350, the Clean Energy and Air Pollution Reduction Act, and SB 32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act. The Bee cautions us to not let the “perfect” be the enemy of “progress.” But what about the “bad”?

Mr. Perea proposes our state Legislature must approve any plan for reduced petroleum use developed by the Air Resources Board. We already have such a highly politicized, industry-controlled regulatory scheme at our Valley Air District. It’s a disaster. If statewide plans have to run the political gamut of the Capitol, decades of delay are in store for all Californians.

Mr. Perea also says the Legislature should not pass SB 350 and SB 32 until the state air board submits its plans for meeting the laws’ goals. This is specious. Plans take years to develop and the agency cannot act until the bills become law. He knows this.

These are not moderate proposals. These extreme ideas represent the oil industry’s wildest dreams come true. Their countless millions would completely control politicians looking only to their next campaign or first lobbying job, rather than our health, economy and survival.

This story was originally published September 4, 2015 at 10:19 AM with the headline "Oil industries’ countless millions control politicians."