No on Prop 23: Stanford Student Demo at Campus Valero every Friday

Stanford students have done their homework! They know that Proposition 23 would harm the environment, green businesses and air quality.

Proposition 23 would overturn the state’s climate change law, AB 32, until the state reaches an unemployment rate of 5.5 percent or lower for four consecutive quarters. AB 32, which passed in 2006, mandates cuts in California’s greenhouse gas emissions. Backers of Proposition 23 deceptively call it the “California Jobs Initiative,” and complain that it hurts businesses that must pay the expense of making changes to comply.

Texas oil companies Valero and Tesoro are major financial contributors to Proposition 23 and that is why the students are choosing to demonstrate every Friday until the election, from 5 to 6 pm., in front of the Valero gas station on Stanford's campus. At today's demonstration, students were joined by members of the Raging Grannies, local environmental activists who like to come in costume and with props. The next demo will be on Friday October 22nd; one of the "Grannies" said they will be unveiling a new bit of street entertainment at the 4 way stop in front of the Valero.

Today's protest was punctuated by honks and cheers from many approving drivers making their way through rush hour across campus.