Pasadena Opposes 'Big Solar' Energy Initiative

Following the lead of many other utilities, the Pasadena City Council on Friday took an official stance against Proposition 7, aka "Big Solar," which will appear on November's ballot asking voters to make utilities supply 20% of their power with renewable sources by 2010, 40% by 2020 and 50% by 2025. Pasadena Water and Power is a municipal owned utility and officials say that if passed, rates could jump 30 to 45%. While most people are not aware of the proposition, 63% would support it with 24% opposed, according to a Field Poll survey (.pdf). Opposition, which includes environmental groups and both the Democratic and Republican parties, basically say the prop has good intentions, but was written by people who didn't know what they were talking about and has many unintended consequences.