Environmental Candidates Sweep State Elections

Prop 64 Passes, Eliminates Environmental Safeguards; A Big Win for Polluters, Big Business

OAKLAND, CA — The environment was a clear winner in state candidate races, but it was dealt a major blow by polluters and corporate interests with the passage of Prop 64, said the California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV), a statewide environmental organization that works to elect pro-environmental candidates into the state legislature.

56 of 58 pro-environment state Assembly and Senate candidates won their races, with many of them making the environment a key issue in their campaigns.

“The new legislators elected Tuesday are the next generation of environmental leadership,” said Susan Smartt, executive director of CLCV. Smartt noted that the legacy of veteran environmental leaders forced out by term limits leaves a high standard in Sacramento. “Now that we’re facing four more years of federal assault on the environment, California must continue to lead the nation in defending the air we breathe and the water we drink.”

Pro-environment candidates winning contested races include Ira Ruskin, who defeated billionaire Steve Poizner in the South Bay Assembly district once represented by outgoing environmental champion Byron Sher. “With the help of CLCV grassroots organizers, coastal candidates Mike Gordon, Lori Saldaña and Pedro Nava won decisive victories in tough contests,” affirmed Smartt. Pledging to fight for cleaner air, Central Valley Senator Mike Machado won a fierce battle against Stockton Mayor Gary Podesto; Machado prevailed by 6%.

“Despite being outspent by millions of dollars, pro-environmental candidates triumphed on Tuesday,” said CLCV’s Northern California Director Rico Mastrodonato. “A recent statewide poll by the Public Policy Institute of California indicated support for the environment near 80% among Californians, and that was reflected on Election Day. Californians have spoken again, and their voice is loud and clear: ‘undeniably the environment matters.’”

While strong environmental candidates were elected across the state, one of the cornerstones of environmental protection was removed with the passage of Prop 64 “Prop 64 was a dangerous and deceptive ballot initiative backed by big business and supported by Governor Schwarzenegger. Prop 64 eliminates a section of the Unfair Competition Law that has been an essential tool for citizens, environmental groups, and consumer advocates to hold businesses and polluters accountable for illegal pollution and consumer fraud,” said Mastrodonato. “It’s disappointing that the Governor chose to support this measure rather than stick to his commitment to defend our communities and families from polluters.”