Women's Energy Matters Thanks Marin Board of Supervisors for Yes on MCE
October 29, 2008
| News Release For Immediate Release Contact: Jackie Wright October 29, 2008 Wright Enterprises, 415 824-3990 WOMEN’S ENERGY MATTERS SAYS THANK YOU TO MARIN BOARD OF SUPERVISORS FOR TUESDAY’S VOTE FOR MARIN CLEAN ENERGY San Rafael- It was a unanimous vote for the first reading of Marin Clean Energy Plan at the Marin County Board of Supervisors in San Rafael Tuesday. Supervisors Susan L. Adams (District 1), Harold C. Brown Jr. (District 2-Vice President of the Board), Charles McGlashan (District 3-President of the Board), Steve Kinsey (District 4) and Judy Arnold (District 5-2nd Vice President) have moved forward on the plan that will result in renewable energy for Marin County if all future hurdles are cleared. “We are overjoyed to know that the work of Sustainable Fairfax, Sustainable San Rafael, Sustainable Novato, The Main street Moms (MMOB), the Sierra Club, Women’s Energy Matters and all the other groups and individuals that have canvassed neighborhoods and talked to neighbors about Marin Clean Energy has been affirmed by a unanimous “yes” by the Marin County Board of Supervisors,” said Barbara George, Executive Director of Women’s Energy Matters. The President of the Board, Charles McGlashan publicly acknowledged George for her grassroots efforts for Marin Clean Energy along with other environmental groups. She said, “We applaud the Supervisors for their courage Tuesday.” We went into Tuesday’s meeting concerned that the Board of Supervisors might have been swayed by PG& E to delay the vote. According to George, too much time and money has been wasted, as Pacific Gas and Electric Company, tried to waylay the progress of Marin Clean Energy beyond the six weeks it had already caused. “Business as usual has us in the financial crisis we face today and continuing with the status quo of PG&E purchasing power for Marin County will have us facing a similar environmental meltdown,” George told the supervisors. “PGE is missing its renewable goals as set by the California PUC. We can’t trust their business practices to protect us.” The work of all the groups wanting a change for Marin County did not go unnoticed. Their concerns were heard as Supervisor Susan Adams moved for Marin Clean Energy to be adopted with a second from Supervisor Judy Arnold. The measure will have its second reading on November 18th. Supervisor Arnold recommended that Novato move forward and approve Marin Clean Energy as well. “We can’t thank the Board of Supervisors enough for keeping this measure alive and making Community Choice through Marin Clean Energy a viable option,” George stated after the meeting. According to George, Marin Clean Energy is the most effective action the county can take to address climate change. Women Energy Matters gives several reasons: 1) every home and business in the county is automatically included (unless they decide to opt-out and stay with PG&E), 2) Marin Clean Energy will double or triple the amount of renewables Marin county uses (with no rate increase) and 3) because there's a ready-made, existing revenue stream: MCE would control half the amount of everyone's utility bills. “PG&E is resisting change PG& E spends millions to tell us they are green when they aren’t. They are pouring millions into advertising and lobbying to convince us they are good corporate citizens while harming our health because of their environmental choices to turn a profit. The Board of Supervisor’s vote keeps the possibility alive that we will have an alternative,” added George. Women’s Energy Matters announced to the board and the public the organization’s fundraiser, “Celebrate Marin Clean Energy,” November 9th at the Bolinas Community Center. The event is $45 for the evening and will include an Arts Auction, Awards Dinner and Dancing with Dgiin, a popular French-Gypsy Swing band from Sonoma County. The awards will focus on those who have been instrumental in bringing the Marin Clean Energy Plan into fruition. (The Dinner alone is $30 and the Dancing alone is $20.00.) Tickets can be purchased by going to the organization’s website:www.womensenergymatters.org or www.groovetickets.com or by calling 415 457-1737. ###
About Women’s Energy Matters -Women’s Energy Matters (WEM) is a network of women and men who approach energy issues from a woman’s point of view. WEM works for a rapid transition to an efficient, renewable energy system, in order to promote healthy communities and ecosystems and improve international relations. WEM also celebrates the ways women have used their own energy through the ages to work for the public good. Current areas of focus include: Community Choice, Energy Efficiency, and Environmental Justice. See: www.womensenergymatters.org. |
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