Arcata City Council: No On Prop 16
ARCATA – Proposition 16 is a voter-initiated constitutional amendment on the June 8, 2010 election ballot and is funded almost entirely by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E).
At the May 19, 2010 City Council meeting, the City of Arcata joined over 60 local governments, 25 business organizations, more than 60 civic organizations and 40 public officials who have endorsed a ‘No’ vote on Proposition 16.
PG&E is running a dishonest campaign. While the “Yes” campaign promises democracy and a “right to vote,” in truth the initiative will limit long-existing local government authority to float bonds needed for municipal projects and will hamstring local governments’ ability to choose local power providers. “The Sole purpose of Proposition 16 is to reinforce PG&E’s monopoly,” notes Arcata Councilmember Shane Brinton. “This initiative is a frontal assault by PG&E on local control and green energy.”
The City of Arcata supports renewable energy development through the City of Arcata Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan as well as the installation of solar electric energy systems on City Hall and the Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center buildings.
The City also supports local efforts, led by the Redwood Coast Energy Authority and the Schatz Energy Research Center, to investigate renewable energy resources in Humboldt County and determine the best way to develop these resources.
While the City of Arcata has enjoyed a beneficial working relationship with PG&E for many renewable energy, energy efficiency and carbon reduction projects, the City also supports the option to develop renewable energy resources through the development of a public utility or a community choice aggregate with the goal of providing Arcata citizens with the lowest-possible utility rates.
Proposition 16 would create potentially insurmountable barriers to these important local ownership options.
“PG&E is spending millions of dollars to misinform voters about this initiative,” says Councilmember Brinton. “Arcata and communities across California are urging voters to see through PG&E’s misleading statements and vote ‘No’ on Proposition 16.”
For more information on the City’s position on Proposition 16, or for more information on local efforts to support renewable energy development and carbon reduction, contact the City of Arcata Energy Specialist at (707) 822-8184 or visit the Energy section of the City of Arcata website, found under the Environmental Services Department at cityofarcata.org.
