The Los Angeles Times
just recognized the Assemblyman for a strange piece of legislation released for consideration in this legislative session:Republican lawmakers typically aren’t too fond of the
California Air Resources Board, an influential state agency known for its
aggressive work to combat climate change. Many in the GOP–and some Democrats
as well–say the board has accumulated too much power to push new regulations. But one Republican Assemblyman, David Hadley of Manhattan
Beach, is extending a friendly gesture to the board. Hadley has introduced a resolution thanking the ARB for
helping uncover how Volkswagen cheated on pollution emissions tests. The board
initiated an investigation into the software Volkswagen used to conceal certain
vehicles’ true emissions. Assemblyman David Hadley (R-Torrance)
No company should cheat on any test. None. Granted, I would like to see the ARB removed entirely, but even when any agency does its job, more people should line up and say “Thank you.” Without the actions of the Public Integrity Division of the LA County DA’s Office, the Huntington Park City Council would have gotten away with violating the First Amendment rights of two citizens in their city council chambers. The resolution, ACR 112, praises the agency for “its
unwavering diligence and dedication to preserving air quality in the
state.”Hadley, a first-term lawmaker in a swing South Bay district,
was one of two Republicans to vote for last year’s sweeping climate change
legislation.
For the record, SB 350 was hardly sweeping. In fact, even-handed moderate Democrats working with the pro-middle class Republicans gutted a great deal of Big Green out of the bill.”The ARB was the regulatory body that distinguished
itself in uncovering malfeasance,” Hadley told The Times, adding the
resolution is meant to show the Legislature is open-minded in overseeing the
agency.
What an idea – a legislature which reviews every agency with a willing eye to find things done right as well as wrong.”I don’t believe you’re credible when all you do is
criticize state agencies if you aren’t fair-minded enough to acknowledge good
work when it’s done,” he said.
I am so glad that someone has fallen put another set of empty talking points to silence. So many liberals and Democrats crow that Republicans want to sink the size of the state until it can fit – and drown – in a bathtub. That is simply not true.
I wonder if Hadley has any labored praise for the California Public Relations Board, too!
I also wonder how Sacramento Democrats must have felt when Hadley introduced this legislation. He certainly beat them to it. . .