Bills Gather Dust on CA Governor’s Desk
Monday, October 1, 2007
The deadline is approaching for several bills dealing with toxic toys and a cleaner environment, and they're all awaiting Governor Schwarzenegger's action. His hesitation may be the result of intensive lobbying from industries, after a spate of recent reports about dangerous toys.
Rico Mastrodonato, of the California League of Conservation Voters, says the toy legislation would ban phthalates, chemicals so dangerous to the developing minds and bodies of children that they're already banned in toys in Europe.
"Getting these chemicals out of toys is extremely important. We need to ban the use of phthalate from toys and feeding products intended for children under the age of three."
Green building standards also are awaiting action. David Allgood with the California League of Conservation Voters says the increased standards would bring a long-term payoff.
"Eventually, we'll break away from our dependence on fossil fuels and foreign fuels. Running a green building is a lot cheaper than running one that's not."
Other bills still sitting on the Governor's desk include changing the makeup of the San Joaquin Air Board to include scientists and health experts, and a bill to encourage Californians to switch to solar water heaters. Each of the bills has strong opposition from their respective industries, which cite increased costs. The Governor has until October 14th to sign or veto the legislation.
More information on these issues is available at http://www.ecovote.org.
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