Apr 21 - Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News - Steven Harmon San Jose Mercury News, Calif.

With oil prices skyrocketing and global warming alarming environmentalists, Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata wants Californians to view alternative energy sources as primary sources.

At the steps of the Capitol, the Alameda Democrat unveiled a six-bill package Thursday that promotes oil conservation, solar energy, hydrogen fuel and greenhouse gas standards.

The legislation was pulled together to coincide with the 37th celebration of Earth Day on Saturday.

"Our growing dependence on non-renewable energy has held us hostage to forces over which we have no control," Perata said. "Political unrest is being cited as a likely cause for the $3 a gallon gas prices we're facing and what could well be $4 a gallon."

The bills seek to make more efficient use of traditional energy resources, expand the use of renewable resources, and provide investment opportunities for companies to put more resources into developing alternative resources.

"The economics of green energy are better than the economics of brown energy," said John White, executive director for the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies. "Because of the cost and volatility of gas, it's made renewable energy sources cheaper than traditional fossil fuels."

Perata said he's confident Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will support the legislation, though he'll face pressure from the oil industry to oppose it.

Tough decisions on the environment, Perata said, will draw flak from the "same people who want to push holes through the ozone and drill in the Arctic. But you can't retreat. The governor should also know this is an environment state and it's good politics. I don't think that's lost on him."

A press officer for Schwarzenegger said the governor doesn't have to be prodded on environmental issues.

"The governor has a strong environmental record," Bill Maile said, "and looks forward to working with the legislative leadership to keep California green for future generations."

Tupper Hull, a representative of the Western States Petroleum Association, said the oil industry has invested billions in alternative fuel solutions. But the best path, he said, is through the free market, not through government initiatives.

"We are getting there, and we'll get there," Hull said, "but it's important not to impose hidden taxes on California consumers and not to risk slowing down and harming California's economy."

 

Contact Steven Harmon at sharmon@cctimes.com or (916) 441-4601.