CONTACT: Anthony Matthews, 202-297-3830
SACRAMENTO, CA – Mary Creasman, Chief Executive Officer of the California Environmental Voters (EnviroVoters), released the following statement in response to yesterday’s passage of a $300 billion dollar state budget from the State Legislature. While the Legislature’s budget includes $21 billion in climate and energy funding, it lacks details about how it will be allocated and whether it is one-time funding or funded over multiple years.
“Voters deserve clarity on this climate budget and big numbers that are being voted on. Double counting previous year’s climate investments, or counting more fossil fuel extraction, is smoke and mirrors not climate courage. This budget seems to spend more than ever on climate action but only compared to past investments that have failed us. These amounts are not enough to ensure victory against worsening droughts, extreme heat, and wildfires year after year. As we get closer to the worst of California’s wildfire season, the Legislature and Governor must stop kicking the can down the road to a dead end.
“We can’t waste this opportunity to ensure a liveable future for our kids. We have a record budget surplus now and have to act now before it’s too late. Scientists tell us we have until the end of this decade before we reach a point of no return. We need a multi-year plan that truly prioritizes climate justice investments in California’s spending.”
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ABOUT CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL VOTERS
California Environmental Voters (formerly the California League of Conservation Voters) believes the climate crisis is here and this moment requires transformative change. California has the policy solutions to stop climate change but lacks the political will to do it at the rate and scale that’s necessary. EnviroVoters exists to build the political power to solve the climate crisis, advance justice, and create a roadmap for global action. We organize voters, elect and train candidates, and hold lawmakers accountable for bold policy change. We won’t stop until we have resilient, healthy, thriving communities, and a democracy and economy that is just and sustainable for all. Join us at www.envirovoters.org and on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. See more press releases.
