Unfortunately, California is failing on climate action.

With record-breaking heat waves, wildfires, and oil spills, the consequences of climate change were on full display in 2021. Yet the California State Legislature for the third straight year failed to pass meaningful climate policy that matches the urgency of the climate crisis.

Today is the official release of our annual California Environmental Scorecard, and we have given California a D grade.

Since 1973, we have published our annual Environmental Scorecard grading the Governor and every single state legislator on their environmental and climate record from the previous year. (Read how we calculate scores here.)

We’re one year closer to the 2030 deadline scientists have given us to make the necessary investments to avert major climate catastrophe, and we’ve got too little to show for it.

State leaders keep delaying climate action. The influence of oil money is clear. 63% of California legislators took oil money, including over half of Democrats. Meanwhile, as critical legislation failed in 2021, we need to see more collaboration and action at scale from the Legislature and Governor in 2022.

Here’s the thing, friend: We have a huge opportunity to turn it around in 2022.

We’re excited to see the urgency of the climate crisis reflected in Governor Newsom’s first state budget proposal, which advocates for investing $37 billion on climate action. That said, we need to double down on climate action by ensuring the state’s annual budget dedicates more than 5% to this work, this year and every year. There is also a strong core group of climate champions in the Legislature we know we can count on; 18 legislators earned a 100% score last year.

Climate action is a team sport. Governor Newsom and the Legislature need to work together to make sure urgent climate policy gets over the finish line. This will take real climate courage. The time to act was yesterday, so there’s a real need for them to move quickly and make up for lost time. The ball is in their court.

Today, I encourage you to take a look at our Environmental Scorecard to see if your legislators are leading to protect California’s future or preventing it — and then give them a call to let them know what you think of their 2021 score.

And don’t forget, friend: Tomorrow at 11 a.m., I will be joined by our four Climate Action Caucus champions for a Facebook Live Scorecard Release. Follow us on Facebook at @envirovoters to watch this special event!

Thank you for taking advantage of this critical transparency and accountability tool.

Mary Creasman
Chief Executive Officer
California Environmental Voters
(formerly California League of Conservation Voters)

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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.