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CLCV Member,  

The 2020 election made even more clear what we have known for years:
change happens from the bottom up, and we need to invest in our democracy
to unlock more courageous policy progress. In her latest opinion article,
Mary Creasman, CEO of CLCV, breaks down the steps our leaders can take
toward a green and just recovery for ALL Californians. Check it out below
and then [ [link removed] ]sign our petition to make permanent democracy reform. 

[ [link removed] ]Read Mary’s latest OpEd in CalMatters.

Thank you for joining us in this movement. 

In solidarity, 

Charles Clayton

Digital Communications Manager 

California League of Conservation Voters

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“With the election over, how do we achieve real change?” by Mary Creasman,
CalMatters

2020 has been a year like no other. We’ve endured a lot this year, and it
isn’t over yet. But we’ve learned a lot about our democracy, the regional
power-building we need to do, and the work that lies ahead. 

More than 150 million people voted nationwide, and a surge of young people
of color turned out around the country. In California, more than 17.5
million people voted. That’s 3 million more than in 2016, although this
number is still less than 70% of eligible voters. 

America elected a president, and our first woman of color vice president,
who put a climate justice agenda front and center in their campaign. And
[ [link removed] ]Californians voted out candidates and 

This shouldn’t come as a surprise. When the California League of
Conservation Voters conducted [ [link removed] ]polling earlier this year, we found that
California voters believe that the environment (73%) and climate change
(64%) should be priorities for our state. Concern about the climate crisis
is especially high among younger voters with 76% of 18- to 29-year-olds
rating this issue to be a priority.

This data confirms what we’ve seen for years – the public is ahead of
their leaders on the environment and climate. They want courageous action
and leaders who will work for their families, not oil and gas interests.

So, what comes next, now that we survived the grueling 2020 election
cycle? Here are two things that we should be calling for immediately from
our elected officials – both in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.: 

First, California took necessary steps to make it safe and easy to vote
during the pandemic, from mailing every registered voter a ballot, to
adding ballot drop boxes and extending voting times. These changes worked
and should be adopted and expanded permanently moving forward – for
example, why not mail every eligible voter a ballot? With same-day voter
registration paving the way, this is a clear way California can set an
example for the country and significantly move the needle on getting to a
full and inclusive democracy. 

Second, we need to turn wins at the ballot box into lasting policy change
in Sacramento and D.C. The most recent legislative session was incredibly
disappointing, especially in a year when families have suffered economic
devastation, wildfires, toxic air quality, extreme heat, rolling blackouts
and a respiratory pandemic. Legislators in Sacramento kicked the can down
the road on climate action. We were heartened that the governor took
action this fall with several much-needed executive orders but there is
more to be done.

Our first order of business must be an economic stimulus, both statewide
and on the federal level. We need to invest in a green and just recovery,
and climate action can do that. We can advance racial justice, protect
public health and create good union jobs at the same time. 

And here’s the thing – this work will only happen from the bottom up.
Elections, policy victories and real change will be won in states and
communities first. If we invest in building regional power, resourcing
frontline organizations and innovating bold climate justice solutions – we
will be able to hold leaders accountable to strong action at every level,
export proven policies nationally and globally, and build the foundation
for future electoral wins. 

This moment is an incredible opportunity to rebuild not just our economy,
but our organizing and advocacy work to center justice and create
long-term transformation. States will continue to be on the frontlines of
change even with a Biden presidency, and California in particular has to
be a part of any serious conversation about realizing a just climate
future. 

When California acts, it changes global markets, creates new benchmarks
nationally and redefines what’s possible on the journey to our 2030
climate deadline. 

But a brighter, more just future isn’t promised; it can only be realized
with a deeply participatory democracy that demands visionary and
courageous leadership from our government. That’s our path forward. 

 

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We believe that radical change is necessary and only by transforming our political system will we create the opportunity to take bold action on climate change. We elect and cultivate environmental champions, turn election victories into policy wins, hold our lawmakers accountable, and build political power for change. We inspire hope and action and fight for equity and justice for all Californians. We are in the business of changing what’s possible.

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