California, as I’ve noted before, has two major problems, the first is a budget out of balance. And on that score, I commend the governor’s yeoman’s efforts to stop the flow of red ink. On the second issue, however, he seems AWOL. That problem relates to the burdens the state’s myriad taxes and regulations place on entrepreneurs. Reduce some of those tax rates, eliminate certain business fees and cut the red tape and this state will (literally and figuratively) be back in business.
The Golden State would regain its luster.
The state’s most burdensome regulations are perhaps its cap-and-trade policy and other laws which have established some pretty draconian environmental standards. And Governor Brown, while having become far more aware of the burdens government regulations place on job-creating businesses than when he first helmed the state, seems adamant in his support for these laws.
While he won’t budge, via Sister Toldjah (via Michelle Malkin‘s Buzzworthy), we learn that a judge has placed a hold on California’s global warming program:
A San Francisco superior court judge has put California’s sweeping plan to curb greenhouse gas pollution on hold, saying the state did not adequately evaluate alternatives to its cap-and-trade program.
In a 35-page decision, Judge Ernest H. Goldsmith said the Air Resources Board had failed to consider public comments on the proposed measures before adopting the plan, which affects a broad swath of the state’s economy.
In particular, the judge noted, officials gave short shrift to analyzing a carbon fee, or carbon tax, devoting a “scant two paragraphs to this important alternative” to a market-based trading system in their December 2008 plan. . . .
The potential setback in California, the first state to enact a broad global warming law, comes amid heightened nationwide controversy over how to curb the gases that trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere, and change climates.
Potential setback? Well, for those who think big government is the answer to all problems, real and imagined. If this hold holds, it could make it easier for businesses in California to expand. And for those fleeing to states where the business climate is better, it may provide further inducement for them to stay put.
But, then again, the uncertainty of whether this hold will stand might prevent some businesses from expanding as entrepreneurs are aware a higher court could easily overturn Judge Goldsmith’s ruling. It’s unfortunate that the legislative branch won’t do the right thing and repeal the underlying law.
Please note that in this post, I do not address the merits of the ruling, only the beneficial impact of repealing the draconian law.
I don’t like the carbon tax idea referenced by the judge, but it in a sense it might be more honest – making clear the punitive nature of CA’s awful “greenhouse” program, which was indeed ill-considered.
*Provided that* the judge’s action is legally well-grounded (as opposed to being “law” that he just invented), it’s nice to see CA’s program delayed.
Dan… You missed the best part! One of the groups that brought the suit calls itself… are you ready… The Association Of Irritated Residents!!!!
Too bad they’re complaining the bill doesn’t go far enough, else I, just based on the name, would be tempted to join the group!!!!
Off-Topic, but related: the USA screws “the rich” harder than any other country when it comes to income taxes.
Since I have decided to move from Cal never to return, and this after some 50 years living here, I am thoroughly and totally disgusted that such a small ruling can encourage so many.
Over the years I have watched in fury as some of the stupidest voters in the galaxy have allowed California to degenerate into the bureaucratic,”environmentally aware” s***hole that the despicable Assembly has made it. I hope Marin and Malibu are happy now, I”m fed up and f*** it, I”m gone. Enjoy.