"They've banned gay marriage and are poised to blow off a chance to legalize marijuana, but California voters are remaining true to one stereotype -- their commitment to the environment.

A measure to suspend the state's vanguard climate change law is heading for failure, by a margin of 49 percent to 37 percent, because voters see the law doing more economic good than harm, a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Tuesday showed.

The Golden State's economy is bumping along near the bottom of the nation with unemployment above 12 percent and a state budget more than three months overdue and nearly $20 million in the red.

At the same time it is embarking on an environmental plan from setting alternative energy targets to building a system for industry to trade the right to emit greenhouse gases.

Voters on November 2 must decide whether to put the plan on hold with the measure known as Proposition 19."

Peter Henderson reports for Reuters October 5, 2010.
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"Clean Energy Manufacturing Jobs Growing in California, Study Finds" (Sacramento Bee) [3]