UCLA students are the innovators of the future.
From lab research to student activism, we are dedicated to
creating a better world for our future generations.
Proposition 87 does just that. It is an investment in our
future.
Proposition 87 supports research, energy-efficient technologies
and education.
Its funds come from taxing oil extraction in California.
Proposition 87 is a step in the right direction by making oil
companies pay a fee that they pay in all other major oil-producing
states.
Right now, California is the largest consumer of oil, yet it has
some of the highest gas prices in the nation.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers predicts that, at our current
rate of consumption, we have about 40 years left of natural
gas.
Our dependence on oil is harmful for our air, environment,
economy and future.
Voting yes on Proposition 87 will give California the chance to
be the vanguard of change by investing in cleaner, cheaper
energy.
Although opponents might argue that Proposition 87 will harm our
economy and raise the price of gas for consumers, these claims are
false.
Taxing California’s oil production would have practically
no effect on the global market of oil since it is only a small
share of the market. Therefore, if oil companies were to try to
illegally pass the cost on to the consumers, they would not be able
to compete with foreign supplies.
Not only does Proposition 87 pump money into our economy (rather
than into the pockets of oil CEOs), it will invest $1.07 billion
into higher education to fund energy research.
Although Michael Helperin in “Californians should not pay
Prop. 87’s tax on domestic oil” (Oct. 10) argues that
it is not necessary for California to invest in alternative energy,
funding research will allow universities to create alternatives
rather than waiting for oil companies to create competition for
highly profitable SUVs.
Investing in California’s energy, and its education and
research, is the only way to ensure that we have alternatives when
oil runs out.
We students should take action and vote for something that not
only helps our environment and economy but helps our
universities.
Proposition 87 also reflects the larger problem of global
climate change.
Our state has already taken huge steps in addressing global
climate change.
Coming off the heels of historic victories such as the Million
Solar Roofs Initiative and the Global Warming Solutions Act of
2006, we should capitalize on this momentum by passing Proposition
87.
We cannot let ourselves be misled by campaign ads that
circumvent the main issue. We have to remember the bigger
picture.
Let’s pass Proposition 87 and position California as an
innovative leader in the fight against global warming.
Support alternative energies.
Fund research. Promote a cleaner, better future.
Gandhi is a fourth-year international development studies
students. She is the external affairs director of E3: Ecology,
Economy, Equity. Tung is a graduate of UCSD. She is the UCLA campus
organizer for CALPIRG.