I just read a few articles on the budget situation for the state. As a district, the state budget dictates how we operate and with how many people or programs.

From SF Gate: -----------------------------------------------

February 2009, lawmakers passed a budget that solved a $42 billion deficit through June 2010. It includes $15 billion in spending cuts, $11.4 billion in borrowing and $12.8 billion in taxes. It also *relies* on ballot measures to be put before voters in May. It is the earliest the Legislature has passed a budget in its history.

March, The Legislative Analyst's Office reports that the newly signed budget will be $8 billion short in 2009-10 as the office predicts that expected revenues for the year will be less than assumed when crafting the budget.

May, State Controller John Chiang announces that revenues in April, the month the state takes in the most money, were $1.89 billion less than had been anticipated in the budget.

May 14: Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger releases the revision of his budget, which finds that revenues have continued to slide and the deficit for the upcoming year has grown to $15.4 billion. That figure will jump to $21.3 billion if voters reject special election ballot measures.

May 19: As expected, state voters overwhelmingly reject the ballot measures. Deficit grows to $21.3 billion.

May 21: The legislative analyst determines the revenue shortfall has continued, adding $3 billion more to the deficit that now stands at a staggering $24.3 billion.

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There is an idea being considered to make a little bit of money in the oil industry, about 1.8 billion over 14 years. The odd twist; Firing up one existing oil platform will have 4 others turned off. The special circumstances around the platform in question really have to be read in the full article; Click the "Related Link".

My thoughts on the subject are the following:

1st - This seems like it is too little too late, but every positive step is still a positive.
2nd - Will the other 4 platforms really be shut down?
3rd - Would producing our own oil vs buying over seas really make any difference in our use of oil?
4th - If our habits did not change and we have the discipline to continue a path toward renewable energy, would it really hurt to use the oil in our backyard? Really, wouldn't it potentially be better for the environment not to ship the oil so far?

My 4th set of thoughts really keep me thinking. I don't know that we as a people can really continue to curb our oil dependence if it suddenly became cheap. Would renewable energy research continue at its current pace if prices at the pump were suddenly half what they are now? Much like setting an alarm clock 5 minutes fast, are we trying to trick ourselves by thinking oil from a neighbor does less damage than the oil in the backyard? After all, it is the same environment.

In order to transition to renewable energy, we need a constant reminder that is tangable and effects our daily lives. Does it have to be something that is helping to break our economy?

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