About GreenGov

Why you should join the campaign to “Build a Greener Governor”

We're swiftly approaching the 2010 gubernatorial election, when Californians will choose who will lead our state in a time of great economic and social uncertainty. If you’re a member of the California League of Conservation Voters, or if you’re just visiting this Web site for the first time, chances are you care deeply about the environment and you vote for candidates who you believe will represent your environmental values in Sacramento. On Election Day in November 2010, you will have an opportunity to cast your vote for the most pro-environment candidate for governor — a champion who will lead California to a brighter, more sustainable, clean energy future.

But you also have a chance RIGHT NOW to be part of the movement that helps usher in a green, sustainable future for the Golden State. Many of the declared candidates for governor are in the process NOW of forming their environmental platforms. They are making choices about how “green” they will be. They need to hear from you.

That’s why we’re asking you to join the campaign to BUILD A GREENER GOVERNOR. Here, on our campaign Web site, you can find the latest information on the candidates and learn where they stand on the issues that matter most to the environment, and to you. But most of all, you can add your voice to the conversation that will help determine how green our next governor will be.

Tell your fellow Californians and the candidates what’s important in this race by contributing your own content: blog posts, photos, videos, opinions and more. Rate the candidates, respond to other community members’ content, submit questions for the candidates and help define what it means to be a Greener Governor. You’ll join a community of people who care about California’s air, water, coastline, parks, and health, and together your voices will be loud enough to be heard by all the major candidates for governor of California.

California’s environment faces an increasing threat. Many candidates for positions at all levels of government in California want to appear green because it’s popular. But many also are tempted by another kind of green. Deep-pocketed industry interests like Big Oil, chemical manufactures and other powerful interests will offer to help pay for their campaigns. The temptation to talk the green talk, without walking the green walk, is powerful. The next governor of California will be making critical decisions about whether we lift a 40-year moratorium and allow offshore oil drilling or invest in sources of renewable energy; whether we conserve water or build more dams; whether we protect endangered wildlife habitats or allow unchecked development; whether we allow toxic chemicals in children’s products or ban these toxins; whether we build more roads and highways or invest in alternative transportation.

We have to make sure all of the candidates hear your voice loud and clear. Let them know that you will give your vote to the candidate who will make California a national environmental leader. Tell them you won’t vote for a candidate who will compromise and bargain away California’s unique environmental values, as we have seen past governors do when times are tough. California’s environmental heritage is at stake in the 2010 Election. If you care about the quality of life in California, including its natural beauty, wild places, natural resources, and the public’s health, then California needs you to help elect the candidate who will protect our state’s environmental heritage. We hope you’ll join us and help Build a Greener Governor for California’s future.