Hey friend,

January is a HUGE month for votes on policies and the state budget. Now that the State Legislature is back in session, I want to give you a quick update on what is happening in Sacramento and what to expect this month.

Legislative Calendar:

Not only will we be tracking the hundreds of new bills that will be introduced for consideration in 2022, our top two priority climate bills that were stalled last year have a second chance this month before the end of January:

1. SB 260 by Senator Scott Wiener: The Climate Corporate Accountability Act (California Environmental Voters’ sponsored bill!!) would require the most profitable corporations to publicly disclose their full carbon footprint, holding corporate polluters accountable to being part of the solution.
2. SB 342 by Senator Lena Gonzalez: This bill would give voting power and representation to communities living with some of the worst air pollution in the nation on the Board of the South Coast Air Quality Management District, the air district agency in Southern California that sets rules for polluters like power plants and oil refineries.

Both bills have to pass a critical vote by January 31, so be on the lookout for emails from us in the next two weeks with ways to reach out to your Senator to make sure they are voting Yes.

In the meantime, could you chip in a few dollars to support the critical legislative work we’re doing in Sacramento?

Budget Proposal:

With federal legislation stalled in Washington, D.C., we need states to step up and lead on climate – and that’s exactly what Governor Newsom has begun with the budget he proposed this week.

California Environmental Voters is excited to see the urgency of the climate crisis reflected in this first proposal for the state’s budget, with now a total of $35 billion proposed to be spent towards climate over the next five years.

Importantly, the proposal outlines the state’s plan to incorporate climate action into all sectors of government. We look forward to seeing that expanded and holistically implemented.

This proposed budget begins the long process until June for the Legislature and the Governor to come to an agreement on where the state should spend its money. We know that climate investments need to be frontloaded in order for us to make enough progress by 2030 to avoid the most catastrophic consequences of climate change.

In the coming months, we’ll continue to keep you updated on where our priorities stand in the budget and how you can keep the pressure on your legislators to act boldly and aggressively on climate. One way to support our efforts to fight the climate crisis is a small donation – friend,  could you pitch in $5 or more right now to support our work to keep climate action a top priority in Sacramento?

Thanks for being with us,

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.