As governor, Jerry Brown sought to persuade Californians of the importance of conserving energy and developing alternative sources of energy – wind, solar, geothermal, biomass.

The Energy Commission, established during his time as governor, would emerge as a leader in energy conservation. For example, the commission pioneered new standards of energy efficiency for appliances and for building construction.

All these years later, California is once again trying to develop a more effective energy policy. Then it was a reaction to an energy crisis. This time, it’s a reaction to climate change – and to the high cost of energy.

And Jerry Brown is once again running for governor.

Between Brown and The Terminator, Californians elected a string of colorless governors. I wouldn’t want to say that George Deukmejian, Pete Wilson and Gray Davis were boring . . .  but they were boring.

I know. It’s more important to be a good governor than an entertaining one. But why not both? Sometimes it’s easier to lead if people are already paying attention.

To read my column on Brown – “Brown has never been boring” – click here.

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