SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX 5) Environmentalists don’t like Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposal to send vehicle owners a $400 debitcard to cover higher gasoline prices.
It sounds like relief to pump $400 or $800 back into drivers’ pockets if gas prices are rising. However, many environmental groups don’t believe this is the right approach.
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It’s like a bandaid, but it doesn’t really solve the problem. Laura Deehan, director of Environment California said that.
Environment California is not content with spending $9 billion to provide $400 rebates. They want that money to be used to build more electric vehicles charging stations, improve transit systems, and promote electric bicycle use.
They argue that the rebates would interfere with efforts to reduce fossil fuel dependence.
It reminds me of a glass wine for an alcoholic. It’s great for when you’re struggling. Deehan stated that our dependence on this fuel to power us lives is a problem that is threatening our health and the environment.
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Bay Area Environmental groups, such as Food and Water Watch, want the Governor to take a more aggressive approach to reducing fossil fuel dependence.
Mark Schlosberg, Food & Water Watch, stated that he needs to confront the fossil fuel industry and do more to accelerate that transition. This means stopping the expansion and moving towards a strong, quick, and only 100% renewable energy.
Newsom’s proposal would also offer relief to non-drivers, providing free rail and transit service for three month. One would offer $200 rebates for each taxpayer and dependent. It excludes the top 10% earners.
The Republican-proposed suspension by the gas tax was rejected by the Democratic-led Assembly on Thursday. This would have immediately reduced the price of gasoline by 51 cents per gallon.
Schlosberg stated that we need to make a rapid and aggressive transition from fossil fuels to 100% renewable energy, with investments in electrification.
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