U.C. Davis Law School’s California Environmental Law & Policy Center Publishes Proposition 37 White Paper

Prop 37 White Paper

The U.C. Davis School of Law’s California Environmental Law and Policy Center (CELPC) has published a new white paper examining California’s Proposition 37, formally titled “The California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act.”  Proposition 37 is an initiative measure that will appear on California’s November 6th general election ballot.

The U.C. Davis white paper, which can be accessed here, is entitled “California’s Proposition 37: A Legal & Policy Analysis.”  It was authored primarily by CELPC Environmental Law Fellow Miles Hogan (King Hall `12).  The report does not argue in favor of or against Proposition 37.  Instead, it is intended to serve as an independent and objective analysis of the initiative, to help inform the public debate over the measure and be of use to California voters and interested observers.

Proposition 37 has two key features.  First, if enacted it would create the first comprehensive labeling law in the nation for genetically engineered foods.  With some exceptions, the initiative would require genetically engineered foods to bear a “clear and conspicuous” label indicating that fact at the point of retail sale to California consumers.  Second, Proposition 37 would deem illegal “misbranding” any genetically engineered foods advertised or labeled as “natural,” “naturally grown,” etc.

CELPC’s white paper on Proposition 37 contains several components.  First, it provides a detailed, background discussion of the origins of and political impetus for the measure; an overview of genetically engineered food labeling laws in other states and nations; and a survey of past litigation over genetically engineered foods.  Second, the report provides a detailed discussion of each of the major features of Proposition 37.  Third, the white paper identifies several important ambiguities in the initiative measure, including a number of unresolved legal and policy issues that would likely arise if Proposition 37 is approved by California voters.

Proposition 37 is the most important environmental measure appearing on California’s crowded  November election ballot.  It is attracting national attention as well as millions of dollars in campaign contributions from both supporters and opponents of the initiative.  That’s because the proponents of Proposition 37 hope, and those opposing the measure fear, that if enacted the initiative will prompt similar laws in other states and, perhaps, at the national level.

Hopefully, “California’s Proposition 37: A Legal & Policy Analysis” will contribute to a thoughtful public debate over this important initiative.

Reader Comments

8 Replies to “U.C. Davis Law School’s California Environmental Law & Policy Center Publishes Proposition 37 White Paper”

  1. I’m always suspicious of claims to objectivity and independence. This lacklustre policy analysis confirms my suspicions–it’s a thinly-veiled attack on Prop 37 written from a clearly pro-gmo perspective. Mr. Frank naively suggests this paper has something constructive to contribute to the debate. Nonsense!

  2. I’m always suspicious of claims to objectivity and independence. This lacklustre policy analysis confirms my suspicions–it’s a thinly-veiled attack on Prop 37 written from a clearly pro-gmo perspective. Mr. Frank naively suggests this paper has something constructive to contribute to the debate. Nonsense!

  3. Dear sir/madam, It is my great pleasure to announce you that i am your big admirer in everything what you have done , for uplifting the awareness of environmental protection in  relation to sustainable development , i follow your day to day activity in your link , and it is my life long wish to participate on career like you  the main reason i am writing this mail , is i need to contribute my part in my country since environment is a global issue and its effect has got a trans boundary effect , there fore in addition to my previous academic record on environmental law , i am so much curious to attend international training and a master lesson , on my continues effort, i have got a traineeships in Geneva Switzerland on winter program on environment and sustainable development and i have got an admission i will attach it with this mail, and if you need for confirmation m, i can tell them to send you the admission letter.   they request me for some educational material , accommodation and for some tuition fee around  2800.00 CHF, therefore would you sponsor me for my dream opportunity , i am sure that it will help you in my mission to achieve your goal .                                                        sincerely Tewodros Debebe 

    ________________________________

  4. Dear sir/madam, It is my great pleasure to announce you that i am your big admirer in everything what you have done , for uplifting the awareness of environmental protection in  relation to sustainable development , i follow your day to day activity in your link , and it is my life long wish to participate on career like you  the main reason i am writing this mail , is i need to contribute my part in my country since environment is a global issue and its effect has got a trans boundary effect , there fore in addition to my previous academic record on environmental law , i am so much curious to attend international training and a master lesson , on my continues effort, i have got a traineeships in Geneva Switzerland on winter program on environment and sustainable development and i have got an admission i will attach it with this mail, and if you need for confirmation m, i can tell them to send you the admission letter.   they request me for some educational material , accommodation and for some tuition fee around  2800.00 CHF, therefore would you sponsor me for my dream opportunity , i am sure that it will help you in my mission to achieve your goal .                                                        sincerely Tewodros Debebe 

    ________________________________

  5. Dear sir/madam, I will not give up for some special intention that has got a long lasting effect for the whole creature, through my previous letter I have telling you the sensitivity of environment and sustainable development and  future plan on this area . As I told you, from among my  broad  plan , one is broadening my academic potential and performance through short and long term training and regular education , I planned this and I was devoted very long time to get a chance , as last point things to the almighty I  have got a train ship in Geneva , Switzerland , as I attached and sent you in the previous mail, therefore why not you collaborate with me with the whole effort that I want to make , if you need to examine me in any aspect you are well come .                             Yours sincerely                               Tewodros Debebe

    ________________________________

  6. Dear sir/madam, I will not give up for some special intention that has got a long lasting effect for the whole creature, through my previous letter I have telling you the sensitivity of environment and sustainable development and  future plan on this area . As I told you, from among my  broad  plan , one is broadening my academic potential and performance through short and long term training and regular education , I planned this and I was devoted very long time to get a chance , as last point things to the almighty I  have got a train ship in Geneva , Switzerland , as I attached and sent you in the previous mail, therefore why not you collaborate with me with the whole effort that I want to make , if you need to examine me in any aspect you are well come .                             Yours sincerely                               Tewodros Debebe

    ________________________________

  7.                                                               LETTER OF MOTIVATION Environmental degradation has got a trans-boundary effect, When we see the emanation of this law , there are certain customs and norms that lead to the international concept like the trial smelter arbitration, corfu channel case and the lac lonoax case.     Standardization has an environmental effect since under implementation of the manufacturing and processing of their product , they should have tom go pass through different controlling mechanism as environmental impact assessment and precautionary mechanism clearly envisaged , that is why the international organization for standardization give recognition for this sensitive issue and covered under ISO1400/2004 clearly articulated as -reduced cost of waste management -saving in consumption of energy and material -lower distribution costs -improved corporate image among regulators, consumers and public          The advantage of standardization does not end up with only to the above fact to mention some -the reduction of natural resource ass a raw material for industry -importing unprotected household material like refrigerator that emits CFC material -importing fertilizers and insecticides that reduce the fertility of the soil and affecting the biodiversity       Ethiopia is not the member of WTO, but it has got its own national standard and active participate in different cession of ISO, as I am A FOREGIN AND INTERNARTION RELATION EXPERT  I NEED TO ENHANCE MY KNOWLEDGE IN THIS PART AND MAKE MY OWN CONTRIBTION IN MY COUNTRIES EFFORT TO BE MEMBER OF WTO, AND HAVE INTERNATIONMAL STANDARD IN PROTECTING BNTHE ENVIRONMENT

    ________________________________

  8.                                                               LETTER OF MOTIVATION Environmental degradation has got a trans-boundary effect, When we see the emanation of this law , there are certain customs and norms that lead to the international concept like the trial smelter arbitration, corfu channel case and the lac lonoax case.     Standardization has an environmental effect since under implementation of the manufacturing and processing of their product , they should have tom go pass through different controlling mechanism as environmental impact assessment and precautionary mechanism clearly envisaged , that is why the international organization for standardization give recognition for this sensitive issue and covered under ISO1400/2004 clearly articulated as -reduced cost of waste management -saving in consumption of energy and material -lower distribution costs -improved corporate image among regulators, consumers and public          The advantage of standardization does not end up with only to the above fact to mention some -the reduction of natural resource ass a raw material for industry -importing unprotected household material like refrigerator that emits CFC material -importing fertilizers and insecticides that reduce the fertility of the soil and affecting the biodiversity       Ethiopia is not the member of WTO, but it has got its own national standard and active participate in different cession of ISO, as I am A FOREGIN AND INTERNARTION RELATION EXPERT  I NEED TO ENHANCE MY KNOWLEDGE IN THIS PART AND MAKE MY OWN CONTRIBTION IN MY COUNTRIES EFFORT TO BE MEMBER OF WTO, AND HAVE INTERNATIONMAL STANDARD IN PROTECTING BNTHE ENVIRONMENT

    ________________________________

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About Richard

Richard Frank is Professor of Environmental Practice and Director of the U. C. Davis School of Law’s California Environmental Law & Policy Center. From 2006-2010, …

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About Richard

Richard Frank is Professor of Environmental Practice and Director of the U. C. Davis School of Law’s California Environmental Law & Policy Center. From 2006-2010, …

READ more

POSTS BY Richard