UPDATE: 04.23.2010
The League of California Cities has decided not to change their position of support for SB 375. SB 375 continues to promote responsible practice for the mitigation of climate change, and we will continue to monitor any challenges to this important legislation. Thanks to all who participated by sending a letter to their representative!
Read the League’s Press Release.
***original action alert
The following text comes from an Action Alert from The Greenbelt Alliance, a Bicycle Coalition Partner Organization. SB 375 was a hard won victory to encourage responsible land use practices, including transit-oriented and bicycle-friendly development.
Tell the League of California Cities to support our global warming laws
In these challenging economic times, League members are understandably nervous about implementing new legislation. However, the League overlooks that smart urban planning saves households money on transportation costs, saves cities money on infrastructure costs, and makes our region more competitive for limited state and federal funds.
If the League votes in favor of suspending these laws, its clout will carry a lot of weight with the state legislature. Take action now! Avoid a showdown in the legislature over laws California has already passed. By Thursday, April 22, email your representative on the League’s board — listed below — and remind him or her that SB 375 is the right direction for California.
What: The League of California Cities Board meeting
When: Thursday, April 22
Action: Email your city council member — info listed below — before Thursday, April 22, to tell the League of Cities to support SB 375. If you do not live in the communities listed below, email your elected officials to ask them to write a letter of support for SB 375 to the League.
East Bay Area representatives on the League’s board:
Danville: Bob Combs, planning commissioner :: Mike Doyle, mayor
Oakland: Jean Quan, council member
Pittsburg: Marc Fox, assistant city manager
Suggested email to representatives:
Dear Representative,
I urge you to support California’s precedent-setting legislation, SB 375, by opposing the League of Cities resolution calling for suspension of this law. Senate Bill 375 creates no direct costs for cities and will be good for the Bay Area. It will save cities money on infrastructure costs, reduce residents’ transportation costs, and make our region more competitive for limited state and federal funds.
Most importantly, we need these laws to help fight climate change.
Sincerely,
Concerned Constituent