Two California ballot measures that would have significantly increased the research funding and generation of renewable energy look almost certain to fail.
The first, , calls for an increase in renewable power by about 2% of electricity generation per year to eventually hit 40% by 2020 and 50% by 2025.
It would have cost up to $3.4 million in administrative costs per year and probably increased the cost of energy to the consumer in the short term.
With 86% of precincts reporting, 65% of votes on the measure were for the “no” campaign.
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Currently, about 13% of California’s power is generated by renewable sources, including solar and wind. The state has a goal of 20% of electricity from renewable sources by 2010, a target which is not expected to be met. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger supports a 33% renewables goal by 2020.
Opponents to Proposition 7 call the measure well-meaning but ill-conceived, and say it would constrict rather than expand renewable power generation in California.
Unusually, environmentalists teamed with major utilities including Pacific Gas & Electric Company and Southern California Edison in a campaign to defeat the measure.
A big “yes” vote for a second measure, , would have funnelled $5 billion of state funds towards renewable energy research – with a focus on solar technology – and helping people buy cars that are either very fuel efficient or run on alternative fuels.
The measure would have cost the state $10 billion over 30 years, accounting for interest, and resulted in an increase in sales taxes and car licensing fees. With 86% of precincts reporting, 60% of people had voted against it.
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