Backers and foes of a controversial initiative that would require California utilities to procure half of their electricity from renewable resources by 2025 hit the airwaves with campaign ads timed with the Democratic and Republican national conventions. A Field Poll released on July 22 found that 80 percent of Californians surveyed had no knowledge of the Solar and Clean Energy Act, known as Proposition 7. The poll found the renewable power initiative leading with 63 percent in support to 24 percent against. Supporters of Proposition 7 boast that the November ballot measure would launch a “renewable energy renaissance” and sharply reduce greenhouse gas emissions from California’s electricity sector. This sector is the second largest emitter of carbon emissions in the state. Opponents assert Proposition 7 would lock in long-term power prices at 10 percent over market rates, raising electricity bills across-the-board. Moreover, critics charge the initiative would shut out small solar, wind, and emerging renewable energy producers from the California market by requiring utilities to buy power from renewable projects that produce over 30 MW. The Yes on 7 Campaign is bankrolled by Peter Sperling, a member of the Apollo Project’s board of directors, and his father John Sperling, the wealthy founder of the University of Phoenix. As of July 15, Sperling had donated $3 million to the campaign while former San Francisco Supervisor and Sacramento lobbyist Jim Gonzalez chipped in $100,000, according to the Secretary of State. The No on 7 Campaign is funded by the state’s investor-owned utilities, which together have contributed $24 million as of August 2, according to Secretary of State records. Pacific Gas & Electric contributed $12,895,250, Edison International, $10,720,250, and Sempra Energy $104,000. Proposition 7 would increase California’s Renewable Portfolio Standard of 20 percent by 2010, to 40 percent by 2020, and 50 percent by 2025. The initiative would require the California Energy Commission to identify solar and clean energy zones in the state to jump-start renewable power plants. The commission also would fast-track construction permits for renewable projects once the environmental reviews were completed. Californians for Solar and Clean Energy, the group backing the initiative, produced a promotional video with short snappy sound bites from ordinary working people and students that capitalizes on Barack Obama’s “Yes We Can” populist message of change. “This is our year. Our year to make history in California once again. We can lead the fight against global warming and climate change,” the speakers proclaim. By contrast, the utility-backed No on Proposition 7 campaign produced a wonkish classroom-style TV ad warning that the initiative was badly-flawed, overly ambitious, and could hamper investment in solar power and other clean energy technologies. Californians Against Another Costly Energy Scheme opposing the Proposition 7 is one of two coalitions fighting it. In addition to utilities, it also includes renewable energy developers, cities, business and labor organizations, and taxpayer groups. A separate coalition of major environmental organizations also opposes the initiative. Supporters include actor Danny Glover, former State Senate President pro Tem John Burton, former State Senator Martha Escutia, Rainforest Action Network founder Randy Hayes, and Bill Wong, former vice chair of the San Francisco Building Trades Council. Proposition 7 opponents include both the California Republican and Democratic parties, California Labor Federation, League of California Cities, California Taxpayers’ Association, California League of Conservation Voters, Natural Resources Defense Council, Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies, Union of Concerned Scientists, and Environmental Defense Fund.
