This editorial appeared in the Sacramento Bee on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008.
In the pantheon of egregious ballot initiatives, Proposition 10 is the worst of the worst.
In one fell swoop, this deceptively named "Renewable Energy and Clean Alternative Fuel Act" would worsen the state's budget crisis, undermine its fight against global warming and enrich a Texas billionaire – T. Boone Pickens.
Pickens has pumped nearly $19 million into Proposition 10. It's a good investment for him. Proposition 10 would authorize $5 billion in bonds that would, among other things, subsidize consumer purchases of natural gas vehicles. Pickens, it turns out, owns a firm that operates natural gas fueling stations.
We had hoped voters would quickly see through this oily con job. But with Pickens blitzing the television with feel-good ads, there's a chance Proposition 10 could pass.
To read the complete editorial, visit The Sacramento Bee.