Proposition 23

Proposition 23

The November 2010 ballot presents nine propositions. Proposition 23 is geared towards postponing legislation that would implement Assembly Bill 32. Bill 32 would require the California Air Resources Board to enforce regulations and develop mechanisms to help reduce California's greenhouse gas emissions. This bill plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by the year 2020. Many people believe that by enacting this bill, the state of California is going to be spending more money than it has. This would result in an unemployment increase. However, others argue that this bill will instead generate new jobs and spark innovation in California. Proposition 23 aims to increase economic activity by postponing AB 32 despite protest from the opposing group of people that believes regulation of greenhouse gases is crucial to not only our economic stability but the sustainability of human life. A "yes" on Proposition 23 means one supports the government's decision to postpone regulation on pollution until unemployment decreases. A "no" on proposition 23 means that one agrees with AB 32 in its goal to reduce the output of greenhouse gases and further clean technology. The key issues of Proposition 23 propose the arguments for and against it.

Proposition 23 postpones enforcement of Assembly Bill 32 which requires the state to decrease the amount of green house gasses emitted into the environment. By postponing implementation of the bill, the government hopes to stabilize the economy and put more people back in work before investing in new clean technology. Suspending AB 32 would create a modest increase in economic activity while also reducing the cost of energy prices. This increase would continue until unemployment reached 5.5 percent for one full year. At that point, AB 32 would be reinstated and measures would be taken to lower the greenhouse gas production of California (No on 23). Proposition 23 has received both support and opposition from the public and government officials. Some believe that by waiting for unemployment to decline, the economy will thrive. Others believe the earth is subject to great risk by postponing measures to ensure the decrease of greenhouse gases.

Voting "yes" on Proposition 23 is predicted to benefit the economy in many ways. The proposition is expected to save over 1.1 million jobs and 3.7 billion dollars in gasoline prices (yes on 23). Although protecting the environment is important those who support Proposition 23 believe that it should not be America's main focus at the moment. Instead, they believe the focus should be on employment for the 2.3 million unemployed Californians employed (yes on 23). According to the proposition, AB 32 would be suspended until the unemployment rate has dropped to 5.5 percent (Yes on 23). At that point, the bill would then be put into effect.