Blue Shield of California Will Oppose Ballot Measure that Attempts to Suspend AB 32

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May 03, 2010, 06:27 ET

SAN FRANCISCO, May 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With the submission of signatures today by proponents of a November 2010 ballot measure that would suspend AB 32, California's pioneering climate change law, Blue Shield of California announced that it will oppose the measure if it qualifies for the ballot.

"Reducing air pollution that contributes to climate change is the right thing to do for the health of California's families," said Tom Epstein, Blue Shield's vice president for public affairs. According to the 2008 California Air Resources Board AB 32 Scoping Plan, air pollution contributes to 19,000 premature deaths, hundreds of thousands of asthma attacks, and thousands of trips to the emergency room each year.

To demonstrate its own commitment to environmental responsibility, Blue Shield of California is actively addressing climate change in its operations. The company has quantified its carbon footprint, enhanced energy efficiency, uses green building best practices, and supports alternative commutes and reduced business travel through extensive videoconferencing, transit incentives, and support for biking to work. Blue Shield of California's Redding and El Dorado Hills facilities recently earned the EPA Energy Star label, the nation's premiere designation for energy performance.

About Blue Shield of California

Blue Shield of California, an independent member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit health plan with 3.4 million members, 4,800 employees, and one of the largest provider networks; it offers a wide range of commercial and government products throughout the state. Blue Shield of California has contributed more than $120 million over the past four years to the Blue Shield of California Foundation -- which this year was named one of BusinessWeek's 20 most generous corporate foundations. Contact your local agent or broker for more information about Blue Shield products and services, or visit the Blue Shield web site at www.blueshieldca.com.