Issue Position: A Vibrant & Clean Economy

Issue Position

The promise of California has always been the promise that, in spite of our challenges, our innovative spirit and hard work would bring the next generation a better way of life. As new technologies change the jobs available to young people, we need to be prepared.

We don't have to choose between good jobs and clean air

California has made incredible improvements in air quality by implementing some of the toughest pollution controls in the world. At the same time our economy has grown.

Unfortunately, the Inland Empire hasn't seen equivalent benefits--our air remains some of the most polluted in the state and the big corporations have sent our jobs overseas.

Now, those same corporations tell us that they won't follow clean air rules or they will take their jobs elsewhere.
There's a better way. We can have good jobs and clean air.

Green Jobs are some of the fastest growing employment opportunities in California. These are quality jobs that range from engineering to installation in:
* The rooftop solar industry (rooftop and solar farms.)
* Home and commercial HVAC and weatherization.
* Wind power.
* Liquid biofuels.
* Geothermal.
* Bio Mass.

In 2006, the fossil fuel industry fought landmark legislation claiming California could never achieve more than 10% of its energy from renewable energy sources and that would take years. They were wrong. Today, California receives more than 25% of its energy from renewable sources if we count rooftop solar. California's goal of having 50% of our energy generated from clean sources should be met well before 2030.
What does this all mean?

It means that the big polluters are lying to us about clean energy. They think if they keep handing out checks to the Sacramento politicians that local community won't be paying attention.

I'm paying attention. We're paying attention and the truth is that our Inland Empire communities can have jobs and a clean environment.

As your Assembly member, I will work to bring those jobs and for clean air.

What I will do in the state Capitol to bring "Green Economy" jobs to the Inland Empire.
* Work to provide State Grants to our local universities and community colleges to strengthen curriculum and training.
* Work with the California Energy Commission and local school districts to ensure our districts access our fair share of Prop 39 monies.
* Work to create Biotech & Sustainability Institutes at Cal State San Bernardino and UC Riverside.
* Support and strengthen landmark climate change and clean energy legislation, like SB 350, to ensure cleaner air and water for our Inland Empire neighborhoods.
* Support and Strengthen Rooftop Solar Incentive programs such as Net metering, so that converting to roof top solar becomes an increasingly less expensive option for working families.

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