FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 1, 2022
Contact: Michael Blenner, michael.blenner@sierraclub.org
2021-22 California Legislative Session Includes Critical Wins for the Environment and Public Health
Sacramento, CA - Yesterday, the California legislature concluded its 2022 Legislative Session. During the month of August, Governor Newsom made a final push to advance key legislation addressing the climate crisis, oil & gas drilling, and renewable energy.
Some of the major bills included SB 1137, which establishes a 3,200-foot setback rule between new oil and gas drilling sites and Californian communities; SB 1314, which bans Enhanced Oil Recovery, a process whereby carbon captured by oil and gas companies can be used to extract fossil fuels and further pollute the environment; and SB 846, - opposed by Sierra Club California and a coalition of environmental and environmental justice groups and ratepayer advocates - which sought to extend the operations of Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant past its long-established 2025 decommissioning date.
With the session behind us, Sierra Club California is preparing to release its annual Legislative Report Card, which tracks the performance of legislators and the governor on key environmental and climate bills. The 2022 edition of the Legislative Report Card will be released in early October.
Statement from Brandon Dawson, Director of Sierra Club California:
“The 2022 legislative session was a whirlwind for environmental and climate activists. After years of advocacy from frontline communities, environmental justice organizations, and environmental groups, the legislature finally passed a 3,200-foot setback rule between new oil and gas drilling and homes, schools, nursing homes, and other sensitive areas. Overcoming fossil fuel industry opposition to pass SB 1137 is a massive victory for public health and the environment, and we commend the legislators who had the courage to do so.
”The legislature also passed SB 1314, which ensures that any new carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technology does not further promote reliance on fossil fuels. SB 1314 will force oil and gas companies to be more responsible with their emissions.
“It wasn’t all victories, though. Another Sierra Club California priority bill and a Governor Climate priority, AB 2133, died on the Assembly floor last night after major opposition from the fossil fuel industry. Sierra Club California also opposed the eleventh hour push to extend Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant, which passed early this morning. We still have many lingering concerns about this bill and its impacts on ratepayers. We will continue to work with the administration and Public Utilities Commission to address these concerns.”
Sierra Club California is the legislative and regulatory arm of Sierra Club’s 13 local chapters in California, representing half a million members and supporters.