With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Al Gore Joins Villaraigosa in Supporting Carbon Surcharge, Garcetti Not Happy With Mayor's Bankruptcy Ploy
Photo by clownfish via Flickr
()
Photo by clownfish via Flickr
As expected, former Vice President Al Gore praised Mayor Villaraigosa for his carbon surcharge, which would, in part, move Los Angeles to be using 20% renewable energy by the end of this year. The plan, which the Mayor says will only increase bills a few bucks for the majority of residents, was approved by the Board of Water and Power Commission last week.
“The Carbon Reduction Surcharge is one of the most forward-thinking clean energy plans I have ever seen,” said former Vice President Gore via satellite from his home in Nashville. “Not only does it create a trust fund to invest in clean, green energy, but it will also create jobs and kick-start the green economy in LA. I hope the Los Angeles City Council supports this Carbon Reduction proposal. Los Angeles' efforts and the Mayor's leadership in fighting for and investing in America’s clean energy future should be applauded.”
The City Council, however, voted to assert jurisdiction over the matter, a move based on law that enables them to either approve or deny--note, they cannot amend the surcharge plan--decisions by the Board of Water & Power Commission. Before the council discussed asserted jurisdiction on Tuesday, Villaraigosa's office sent a memo to councilmembers outlining what denying could mean for the city. Basically, bankruptcy.
Support for LAist comes from
Council President Eric Garcetti, who supports clean energy, responded with strong words, calling the memo "a gun to our head." "Some of the language we received in a briefing is clumsy and condescending. Don't tell us that the quickest that we're going to go bankrupt is to turn this away." But he also warned against myths, such as the surcharge being a raise for overpaid workers. "That's a lie," he stated, continuing to outline the surcharge's other purposes. "This is about more than just clean energy, it's also about making sure we have a financially strong utility." Approving the surcharge would help the LADWP's bond rating.
Mary Nichols, the Chair of the California Air Resources Board also joined Gore in supporting the surcharge, noting how it fits into AB32, which mandates clean energy or faces heavy fines. Villaraigosa says those fines could reach into the hundreds of millions. Nichols said "reducing greenhouse gases under AB32 cannot be achieved without a coordinated and consistent effort of those in all economic sectors and with government at all levels. The California Air Resources Board has made it a priority to work with local governments to promote broad-scale planning and early actions to reduce emissions."
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
Best of LAist