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Senator Roderirck Wright
Are environmentalists and their policies more powerful than business interests in California?
The Natural Resources Defense Council was among the organizations that filed suit against the AQMD over emission credits. The action brought a halt to a number of construction projects that business leaders say are critical to California’s economy. Business leaders said the action threatened 65,000 jobs in a southern California job market with over 12% unemployment in some markets.
Senator Roderick Wright, Democrat, District 25, introduced emergency legislation to re-establish the issuance of emissions credits from a special SCAQMD credit bank and generate up to $ 4 billion in economic activity.
I did an interview with Senator Wright and asked him if environmentalists and business can get along.
Does the need for SB 827 [originally SB 696] show that environmentalists have grown too powerful for business – especially small business?
I think people lost sight of what government should do and the purpose of environmental regulations. We essentially had a food fight between two environmental groups. The AQMD is an environmental group. People like to fight for the sake of fighting.
It was a run to try and enact energy policy through leveraging through this organization.
We were losing a million dollars a day affecting small business in the middle of doing upgrades and we were on the verge of losing $ 2 billion in stimulus money. Many of the projects were themselves environmentally friendly.
I believe the governor will sign the bill [SB 827]. We’ve had people from both groups, including environmental groups supporting it, but I’m not taking any chances.
The environmental groups were fighting projects that would include installing new technology. In the name of environmentalism, why should I use old technology?
As an example, Senator Wright cited a land-fill in Palos Verde with a gas turbine to eliminate the flaring.
Governor Schwarzenegger has until October 11 to sign SB 827.
Also read,
California regulations are driving businesses out of the state says Senator Wright
LA area business leaders urge governor to sign SB 827
Fighting for jobs or clean air in southern California?
Will blocked emissions credits lead to job loss?
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