SAN FRANCISCO (January 10, 2013) The following is a statement from Lisa Hoyos, California Director for the BlueGreen Alliance, on Governor Jerry Brown’s budget proposal released today.

“California is leading the nation — and the world — in clean energy development and energy efficiency. We are pleased that Governor Brown’s budget proposal recommends that the funds generated by the cap-and-trade auctions go to spur growth in clean energy generation and make the state more energy efficient, the way they were envisioned to be used by AB 32, the state’s landmark clean energy jobs and climate change law.

“This budget proposal will invest in efforts to create good jobs in clean energy, clean transportation and energy efficiency. Combined with other vital clean energy investments at the state — like those spurred by the passage of Proposition 39 late last year — and federal government level, the cap-and-trade funds will continue the state’s progress to cleaner air, good jobs and a stronger economic and environmental foundation for future generations to build upon.

“Climate change is here, impacting communities across California. This state is showing the rest of the nation how we can address it while creating more jobs.

“The BlueGreen Alliance looks forward to working with the Governor’s office, the Legislature and others to ensure that cap-and-trade auction revenues and Proposition 39 funds are used for clean energy and energy efficiency opportunities that build California’s clean economy, expanding the number of quality jobs while continuing to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.”