Green, public power
 	 		
Green, public power | September 26, 2001 | SFBG News            
 
IT'S NOT TOO much of a stretch to say that the Sept. 11 attacks 
on the United States, and the war the President Bush appears 
prepared to start in response, have at least some roots in U.S. 
energy policy. For decades U.S. policy in the Middle East has 
been driven largely by our seeming insatiable need for oil, and 
that has helped create much of the geopolitical mess that gave 
rise to the likes of Osama bin Laden. 

So it's entirely reasonable to argue that there's much more at 
stake on the November ballot in San Francisco than just a local 
decision on how to deliver electricity to residents. In fact, as 
Rachel Brahinsky reports on page 16, San Francisco is poised to 
lead the nation in developing energy independence through 
renewable energy. 

There are two solar-energy bond measures on the ballot 
(Propositions F and I), and if they pass, San Francisco could in 
just a few years develop more solar power than any other city in 
the United States. Ed Smeloff, the city's energy chief, has 
ambitious plans for wind power, hydro power, cogeneration, and 
conservation. 

But none of that will happen unless the voters also vote to get 
rid of Pacific Gas and Electric and create a public power agency. 
The record is crystal clear: Private utilities never, ever 
promote conservation or renewables. They're interested in selling 
the most power, for the most short-term profit – and that means 
encouraging high demand and using fossil fuels to meet it. 

Prop. I would create a municipal utility district. Prop. F would 
create a city water and power authority. They need to pass by as 
large a margin as possible, creating a strong voter mandate for 
public power and for a new alternative energy policy that sets 
the standard for the nation. 

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