https://jacobinmag.com/2020/09/california-democrats-oil-gas-fracking-ab345?fbclid=IwAR25zVY6dNnQ-Qk-s840v7kl4OYWuJAL7XgbyvA7O7ZBYKHBKk42Quda9vY
AB 345 was recently up for consideration in the CA legislature in their last weeks of this session. AB 345 would establish a 2,500-foot setback between future oil wells and homes, schools, or playgrounds. It was blocked 5-4 in a Senate committee from proceeding to a floor vote. Only 1 of the 9 votes was a Republican. Democratic Senators Ben Hueso, Andreas Borgeas, and Majority Leader Bob Hertzberg were all key No votes, and have all received large contributions from the fossil fuel industry which was lobbying against AB 345.
This article also addresses behesting, in which Hueso behested tens of thousands of dollars from fossil fuel companies. It also examines "education trips" which have paid for members of the legislature to go on trips abroad to Europe sponsored by the California Foundation on the Environment and the Economy, which is funded by companies such as Chevron and Shell. State law bans gifts of over $500, but exempts trips that allow lawmakers to travel and attend educational conferences paid for by 501(c)(3) nonprofits.
Additionally, Hertzberg has signed the "No Fossil Fuel Money" Pledge, which states "I pledge not to take contributions over $200 from oil, gas, and coal industry executives, lobbyists, and PACs and instead prioritize the health of our families, climate, and democracy over fossil fuel industry profits." Many of the donations he has accepted from the fossil fuel industry have come after he signed the pledge.
No comments:
Post a Comment