California already has a mandate that energy companies produce 20% of their electricity from renewable resources by 2010. That date is going to come and go with little fan fair because, quite frankly, they're not going to hit the target. In fact, the big 3 energy companies (Pacific Gas & Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric, and Southern California Edison), only have a combined 11.9% of their energy coming from alternative sources. That's a big hill to climb in one year. The energy companies are supposed to be fined up to $25 million dollars a year for this violation, but because of a legislative loophole that probably won't actually happen.

And so, this weekend the California legislature took up (and passed) a bill to increase that mandate from 20% in 2010 to 33% in 2020. It was a wonderful effort that, if signed into law, would represent the most diverse energy portfolio of any state in the country. It could have served as a template for other
states to make the transition. But then the legislature watered it down. Again. Creating provisions for in-state production, and loopholes lobbied for by the energy companies, the legislature took what could have been decisive action and instead played politics as usual.

Governor Schwarzenegger has now vowed to veto the bill and says he will issue an executive order mandating the 33% alternative energy standard. With Congress now preparing to take up energy legislation of their own(after health care, of course), we cannot let the shortcomings of legislators in our own state serve as a model for Congress. The Newell for Congress campaign supports the 33% mandate. Felton will fight to adopt such a mandate nationwide when he is in Congress. But any legislation must have strict guidelines for penalties that will go into effect if the targets are not met. Watering down the legislative language is not the answer.

This is one of the greatest challenges that our generation will face, and it's time for true leadership.

--Newell for Congress Campaign