The following is a straightforward Reposting of the arguments Jason Barbose presented in favor of passing SB1161*. This time no running commentary, or eye catching highlights, simply Jason's succinct explanation. My thanks to Jason Barbosa and Union of Concerned Scientist for allowing me to Repost his article.
Five Reasons to Pass the Climate Science Truth and Accountability Act (SB 1161) March 29, 2016, Jason Barbose.
1) Some fossil fuel companies have long known about the risks of climate change.
2) The fossil fuel industry has spent decades deceiving the public about the science of climate change.
3) There are real costs to fossil fuel industry deception.
4) Deceiving the public is morally wrong.
5) A movement is building. California can stay at the forefront.
* It is true that SB1161 has been withdrawn, for the time being. Nevertheless, this continues to be an increasingly important issue that won't go away, thus Jason's assessment is quite relevant.
Jason Barbose, Western states policy manager | March 29, 2016
http://blog.ucsusa.org/jason-barbose/climate-science-truth-and-accountability-act-sb-1161
Sometimes the truth hurts. And when it does, it can be tempting to try to cover up the facts. But ultimately it’s better to face them honestly because eventually the facts catch up to you. While I learned that lesson a long time ago, the fossil fuel industry seemingly has not.
After all, they have spent millions over decades to convince the public that consumption of their product would not lead to dire consequences for the planet. To date, they have yet to fully reckon with that, but I’m hopeful that the truth is catching up to the fossil fuel industry and 2016 will be a turning point.
This year there is an opportunity for the California Legislature to help redress this long-standing deception by passing the Climate Science Truth and Accountability Act of 2016 (SB 1161).
