Will SF’s Prop H, the Clean Energy Act, Alter Initiative History?Randy Shawbyline‚ Sep. 15‚ 2008San Franciscans may be fervent environmentalists who back alternative energy, but voters have consistently rejected ballot measures to weaken PG&E’s control of the city’s energy supply and move toward public power. Voters can alter this history in November when they consider Prop H, the Clean Energy Act. Prop H does not create “public power” but mandates renewable energy levels for the City that PG & E must either meet or risk losing its monopoly. Already, Prop H has the look of prior energy campaigns. PG&E has paid for door-hangers and signs around town, and expect mailboxes to soon overflow with pieces arguing that Prop H gives those irresponsible Supervisors a “blank check.” The Bay Guardian has begun its all out campaign for the measure, and is joined by an unusually broad coalition of officials and groups. Will the outcome in this familiar fight be different this time? |