There's a formula for success California businesses use to great advantage, in everything from film and aerospace to computers and high tech industries: leadership = market development = jobs. We incubate great ideas here, bring them to market, and then -- most crucially -- lock in our leadership position so we keep the jobs those ideas create in California.

Our state is home to another forward-looking industry: advanced technology vehicles and systems. Since long before the rest of the country, California has led in standards reducing automobile emissions and promoting cleaner, more efficient vehicles.

California is a global leader in advanced energy technology. Just one example: In the 18 months through the first half of 2011, California alone attracted more than 60 percent of the worldwide venture capital investment in electric vehicles -- more than $1.3 billion. With worldwide demand for cars soaring, the need for solutions like these will only continue to grow.

Other states look to California to lead. Under federal law, states across the nation can and do adopt industry-leading clean car standards. And this year California partnered with the federal government to formulate the latest round of national emissions standards, while also developing its own emissions standards plus regulations to promote advanced vehicle technologies.

As a venture capitalist who invests in advanced technologies, let me make one thing clear: American and
California companies are fully capable of meeting these standards, while simultaneously creating jobs and superior value -- dollars saved -- for consumers.

So why would anyone object to vehicles that cost far less to own and operate over their lives while also improving public health and cleaning up our environment?

Sadly, the answer is that some vested interests don't want to see things change.

But as an investor I can tell you something else: our current over-reliance on fossil fuels to power our vehicles must change. For example, the price we pay at the pump does not include all the costs associated with burning oil, what economists call `externalities.' It does not include the