Environment & The Ballot: Props 7 & 10

Prop 7: Renewable Energy

• What it says (in brief): "Requires all utilities, including government-owned utilities, to generate 20% of their power from renewable energy by 2010, a standard currently applicable only to private electrical corporations. Raises requirement for all utilities to 40% by 2020 and 50% by 2025"
  
• Major Backer: Peter Sperling, out-of-state resident and owner of University of Phoenix. A Yes on Prop 7 website has been launched.
  
• Major Opponents: Pacific Gas & Electric, Edison, Sempra, both California Democratic and Republican Parties and the League of Conservation Voters. A No on Prop 7 website has been launched.
  
• They Say to Vote No Because: It's too complex, too risky and has significant loopholes. Basically, it has good intentions, but was poorly written.

Prop 10: Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Renewable Energy

• What it says (in brief): "The initiative authorizes $5 billion in bonds paid from state’s General Fund, allocated approximately as follows:
  • 58% in cash payments of between $2,000 and $50,000 to purchasers of certain high fuel economy and alternative fuel vehicles;
  • "20% in incentives for research, development and production of renewable energy technology;
  • "11% in incentives for research and development of alternative fuel vehicle technology;
  • "5% in incentives for purchase of renewable energy technology;
  • "4% in grants to eight cities for education about these technologies; and
  • "3% in grants to colleges to train students in these technologies."
• Major Backer: Texan T. Boone Pickens' Clean Energy Fuels Corp.
  
• Major Opponent: Consumer Federation of California
  
• They Say to Vote No Because: The LA Times says it's self-serving to Pickens' very own natural gas agenda. Not only that, many say his company stands a chance to financially benefit from it.