Kevin de León’s Fight for Clean Green
US Senate Candidate, Kevin de León, believes California’s economy can be powered by Clean Green Energy and Clean Green Cannabis
US Senate Candidate for California, Kevin de León, stopped by Meadow HQ to share his vision for California, which includes an economy powered by clean green energy and clean green cannabis.
With less than 50 days to go until the 2018 mid-term elections, Kevin de León is making the rounds to let people know who he is, what he stands for, and why he is running against Dianne Feinstein this November to represent California in the US Senate. One community he is very interested in reaching is the cannabis community of California, as he sees legal cannabis as an inevitable economic driver for the state, a job creator, and a vehicle for social justice as we roll back the war on drugs and start to make amends for the damage it has caused families.
De León was introduced by Jerred Kiloh, President of the UCBA (United Cannabis Business Association) and owner of Higher Path dispensary in Los Angeles. Kiloh stressed the importance of having a representative that fights for free choice — whether it’s the choice of a woman to control her own body or the choice of an adult to have cannabis as part of his or her life. Kiloh’s support for de León is rooted in both his stance on cannabis policy and his track record in fighting for progressive values, including clean energy, clean water, and clean air for us and the generations to come.
De León’s talk was focused on what he referred to as the “2 types of green energy” as drivers of the California economy. With climate change emerging as “the biggest existential threat to humanity”, de León believes that fighting for clean energy initiatives — and for clean air and water for the generations to come — transcends politics. Recently a bill he authored, Senate Bill 100, was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown. SB100, also known as the 100% Clean Energy Bill, is a major win for clean energy in California requiring the state to phase out its use of fossil fuels to generate electricity and obtain 100% of its power from clean sources by 2045. Powering the state exclusively with clean energy will no longer be an aspiration but a law — and de León believes we can hit this goal a decade early and with the state obtaining 100% of its power from clean sources by 2035.
The other “green energy” de León is excited about is cannabis.
“The cannabis industry without a doubt is going to be one of the biggest, strongest, green pillars of our economy. Along with clean energy, we’ll have the cannabis industry — 2 different types of green energy. So that’s why it is incumbent on us as policymakers to help grow this industry.”
De León stated that it is essential for us to make policy together as we forge ahead with cannabis legalization in California. He believes legalization will create jobs for everyday Californians and strengthen our economy. On a federal level, he sees the needs to change the “antiquated” views in Washington DC and reschedule cannabis so it is no longer a Schedule 1 narcotic alongside heroin. Rescheduling can also bring us a closer to banking solutions and trade between states, so the rest of the US can legally enjoy California cannabis; de León acknowledged that 70% of the cannabis consumed in the US already comes from California, and wants to see this continue through legal channels rather than the black market.
Along with clean energy and cannabis, de León also touched on the topics of healthcare-for-all and sensible immigration reform. He believes that in California, “diversity is our strength” and all communities should celebrate who they are and where they come from. When it comes to diversity and inclusivity “we don’t ban it, we don’t deport it, and we sure as hell don’t wall it off.”
De León stated his belief in the need to change the Senate at the cultural level — and he thinks he is the guy to do it for California. He believes he can bring fresh views and a new energy to the Senate, pushing forward an agenda powered by these 2 types of green energy.
If you are interested in learning more about Kevin de León, visit: kevindeleon.com
To donate to Kevin de León’s US Senate campaign, visit: secure.actblue.com/donate/davidandjerredfriends
