California governor acts to hinder Iran efforts to get nuclear weapons

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

California has plenty of domestic problems but that has not stopped state officials over the years from also having a fairly active foreign policy.

The latest example: Gov. Jerry Brown has signed legislation aimed at reducing investments by California-based insurers in companies with financial involvement in the energy industry of Iran. The measure by Assemblymen Bob Blumenfield (D-Woodland Hills) and Mike Feuer (D-Los Angeles) is a response to concerns about Iran’s poor human rights record and its pursuit of nuclear weapons.

‘We have built a consensus that California must take a stronger stand for peace by confronting Iran’s reckless and repressive regime,’ Blumenfield said. ‘By signing this bill, the governor has expanded California’s efforts to reduce resources that would aid Iran’s ambition to develop nuclear weapons.”

AB 2160 prohibits California-based insurance companies from counting investments in the Iranian energy or military sectors as part of their capital-asset requirements set by the state.

In his signing message, Brown said the action does not conflict with U.S. foreign policy.

‘This bill is consistent with and furthers the goals of the ‘Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012,’ which President Obama signed into law last month,’’ Brown wrote.

ALSO:

Brown again taunting GOP with veto pen

As Gov. Jerry Brown considers bills, campaign cash pours in

Ethics czar angers bloggers with proposal to shine light on campaign pay

-- Patrick McGreevy in Sacramento

.