NRDC on post-election environmental initiative results in California
LOS ANGELES — California voters yesterday struck down a bill by out-of-state plastic bag manufacturers (Proposition 65) and supported several local measures that advance environmental causes in Monterey and Los Angeles counties.
Following is a statement from Victoria Rome, California legislative director for NRDC, on Propositions 65 and 67:
“Time and again California voters stand up for a clean environment and this election was no different. California voters saw through the deception of out-of-state plastic bag companies and their confusing ballot initiatives. They rejected the cynical ploy that was Prop 65, and hopefully, once all the results are final for Prop 67, will have phased out single-use plastic bags once and for all.”
Following is a statement from Damon Nagami, director of NRDC’s Community Fracking Defense Project, on Monterey County’s Measure Z:
“This is a terrific outcome for the residents of Monterey County. We’re thrilled that the community’s hard work to protect itself from the impacts of fracking has come to fruition, and proud to have partnered with them on this issue from day one. The voters were clearly heard in spite of all the money Big Oil spent in this campaign.”
Following is a statement from Kristen Pawling, NRDC’s Los Angeles Urban Solutions coordinator, on Los Angeles County’s Measure M:
“By passing Measure M, Los Angeles County voters vetoed spending 81 hours per year stuck in traffic. Angelenos are beyond ready for a sustainable, functional transportation system. Measure M’s diverse coalition of supporters presented voters a real plan for cleaner air, more walkable communities, better bicycling infrastructure, shorter commute times and faster public transit. We look forward to working with communities and local governments on the measure’s implementation.”
Following is a statement from Ramya Sivasubramanian, staff attorney with NRDC’s environmental justice program, on Los Angeles County measure A:
“By voting to replace expiring voter-approved funding for parks, Los Angeles County voters have helped ensure that another generation of Angelenos can enjoy the parks and open spaces that make our communities a better place to live. Measure A represents a significant step towards promoting healthy and equitable park access for all Angelenos—which is why NRDC is proud to have supported it and thrilled to see it pass.”
Following is a statement from Ramya Sivasubramanian, staff attorney with NRDC’s environmental justice program, on Los Angeles City measures HHH and JJJ:
“In passing Measures HHH and JJJ, Los Angeles City voters have made clear that housing our homeless and lowest-income residents is a priority. Ensuring that low-income residents who most heavily rely on public transit continue to have access to it for the long-run is good for low-income Angelenos and for the environment. NRDC looks forward to continued work to address these critical needs.”
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The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 2 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world's natural resources, public health, and the environment. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, and Beijing. Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.