The Most Expensive Thing California Can Do Is Nothing

A group of economists argues that California's clean energy policies, specifically AB 32, provide economic benefits through innovation, job creation, and reduced health costs, and that delaying these actions during an economic recession would be more costly than proceeding.

• The signers argue that delaying the implementation of emission reduction policies during a recession is a mistake, as acting now is more cost-effective and likely to limit environmental degradation and spur innovation in conservation and renewable energy technologies.
• Clean energy policies are described as economically beneficial because they protect the California economy and consumers from the volatility of oil and natural gas prices while saving money through fuel-efficient vehicles and homes.
• The economists support the use of emissions caps combined with regulatory and market-based mechanisms, such as a cap-and-trade system, to provide incentives for new technologies and changes in business practices.
• Reducing climate change pollutants is linked to significant public health and economic gains by reducing the costs associated with air pollution, such as healthcare expenses and missed work or school days.
• The implementation of AB 32 is expected to increase California's global competitiveness by driving technological innovation, creating jobs in the auto industry, and reducing dependence on oil from the Middle East.

APA

Union of Concerned Scientists (2010). The Most Expensive Thing California Can Do Is Nothing. https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2019-09/2010-CA-Economists-LTR.pdf

Chicago

Union of Concerned Scientists. The Most Expensive Thing California Can Do Is Nothing. 2010. https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2019-09/2010-CA-Economists-LTR.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |author=Union of Concerned Scientists |title=The Most Expensive Thing California Can Do Is Nothing |date=July 2010 |url=https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2019-09/2010-CA-Economists-LTR.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{unionofconcernedscientists2010most, author = {{Union of Concerned Scientists}}, title = {{The Most Expensive Thing California Can Do Is Nothing}}, publisher = {Union of Concerned Scientists}, year = {2010}, month = jul, url = {https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2019-09/2010-CA-Economists-LTR.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }