Friend,

Governor Gavin Newsom announced his first budget proposal yesterday, and I wanted to take a moment to unpack it with you.

Here’s the gist: We’re finally starting to see the urgency of the climate crisis reflected in our state budget.

What’s especially encouraging about this budget proposal is the holistic health, jobs, and equity-focused approach. The proposal outlines the state’s plan to incorporate climate action into all sectors to address what’s already happening and protect us from the worst impacts of climate change.

The Governor has proposed an additional $22.5 billion toward the climate crisis – from $15 billion last year, totaling $37.6 billion proposed to be spent over five years. Here are some more highlights from the proposal:

• $2 billion toward clean energy
• $1.2 billion toward forest health and fire protection over the next two years
• $532 million for forest landscapes with a large emphasis on reforestation
• $44 million for community protections
• $44 million for economic stimulus in the forest sector
• $38 million for science-based management
• A NEW Office of Wildfire Technology

To achieve the necessary action by 2030, we need the boldest and most comprehensive efforts NOW. 

In the coming months, there will be areas where we will be focusing our time and attention – and hope that the Governor and members of the Legislature will do so as well. Our priorities include:

• Identifying a robust and aggressive target for building decarbonization as a top source of carbon emissions. All new housing construction should be mandated to help communities adapt to the climate crisis and to achieve building decarbonization.
• Ensuring that any clean energy initiatives that receive public funding create family-sustaining, union jobs.
• Working to make sure that climate programs are designed to be implemented in an equitable way that advance racial, social, and economic justice, create good union jobs, and ensure access to clean air.
• Growing our investments in climate resiliency in order to meet the State’s ambitious and necessary conservation goals.

Now, we must all work to make sure that the details and scale of these investments end up as bold, aggressive, and equitable as ever for all Californians. In the next few weeks and months, we’ll be reaching out with ways for you to get involved in the process and make sure all of our climate priorities are included in the final budget. Stay tuned!

Thanks for being an environmental voter,

Melissa Romero
Legislative Affairs Manager
California Environmental Voters
(formerly California League of Conservation Voters)

California Environmental Voters (EnviroVoters), formerly California League of Conservation Voters, exists to build the political power to solve the climate crisis, advance justice, and create a roadmap for global action. To protect our air, land, water, and future, we organize voters, elect and train candidates, and hold lawmakers accountable for bold policy change. Our vision is to solve the climate crisis, build resilient, connected, healthy communities, and create a democracy and economy that is just and sustainable for all.