Capitol Voice April 2024

By Jason John

Each legislative year, as bills embark on their journey through policy committees, Sierra Club California tracks, analyzes, and advocates for hundreds of pieces of legislation. We’ve just released our Priority Bill List for 2024. This carefully analyzed and selected list is available for review on the front page of our website and our CA Legislature page, and represents just a fraction of the bills that our staff actively lobby on throughout the year. The Priority Bill List serves as our best assessment of which bills will need strong efforts to either pass or block in 2024.

The determination of our positions on bills is guided by a committee of experienced volunteers who contribute their expertise on various issue areas and legislative background. Following the bill introduction deadline, these volunteers engage in thorough reviews of proposed legislation, to determine  Sierra Club California’s positions. While our staff provides recommendations, the volunteer legislative committee has the final say, ensuring that our positions are consistent with Sierra Club policy, prioritize the planet's well-being, and uphold principles of equity and environmental justice.

As the legislative session progresses we expect the bill landscape to change rapidly. In response, the priority list will be regularly updated to reflect evolving circumstances. This year, Sierra Club California is trying out a new format for the List. Instead of a static PDF document that we update and replace, we’re using an online spreadsheet that we can continually update using the same link. We encourage supporters to monitor the link for regular updates.

Volunteers play a crucial role in advocating for the bills on this list. One impactful way is to write letters to legislators, highlighting key bills of concern. Additionally, volunteers can collaborate with their local chapter's political committee to participate in in-district lobbying efforts, with detailed guidance available on our website.

Moving forward, supporters can expect to receive emails from Sierra Club California, providing updates on the progress of listed bills and urging action through emails or calls. Every individual contribution makes a difference, so we urge you to take action when possible. Together, through concerted advocacy efforts, we can work towards meaningful legislative change that supports our communities and environment.

By Molly Culton

Monday, April 22 marks the 54th celebration of Earth Day. Check out this interactive map featuring Earth Day events and celebrations across the country to find an event to attend near you.

If you’re in the Sacramento area, Sierra Club California will have a table at the ECOS Sacramento Earth Day on Sunday, April 21 at Southside Park. Stop by, pick up some free swag, and learn about the amazing work we’re doing across the state; or if you’re near San Francisco, join the “Rally for the River” event at the San Francisco City Hall on Tuesday, April 23 to advocate for sustainable water policy in the Bay-Delta region. We hope to see you there!

The first Earth Day on April 22, 1970 began as a series of teach-ins following a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara in 1969. Shocked by the devastating impacts of the oil spill and inspired by the activism of the anti-war movement, Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin recruited student activist Denis Hayes to organize teach-ins and demonstrations across the country. 20 million people - about 10% of the US population at that time - attended more than 12,000 events.

Earth Day is credited as giving rise to the modern-day environmental movement, leading to the creation of landmark institutions and protections such as the US Environmental Protection Agency, the Clean Air and Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act. Today, more than one billion people across the world celebrate Earth Day.

As the largest environmental grassroots organization in the country, every day is Earth Day at the Sierra Club. For over 130 years, the Sierra Club has mobilized millions of members and supporters to explore, enjoy, and protect our planet. Thank you for being part of this work!

Not based in Sacramento or SF? Find an event near you and come celebrate with us!

By Jakob Evans

On March 18th, labor union members, environmental activists, and pensioners gathered outside of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System’s (CalPERS) office in Sacramento, California to deliver a message to CalPERS’ administrative board: break up with Exxon!

CalPERS is the largest public pension fund in the United States, and it controls over $450,000,000,000 in assets. The fund has significant investments in Exxon - the largest oil and gas company in the United States - and a coalition of organizations led by California for Common Good have called out CalPERS for including oil and gas companies in their portfolio.

Not only is Exxon fueling climate change, but it is even suing its own shareholders in an attempt to prevent the company from pursuing climate action targets. Exxon is doing everything possible to avoid accountability for its role in polluting our environment. Community organizations, labor unions, and environmental organizations like the Sierra Club are calling on CalPERS to divest from all investments in Exxon. 

After multiple CalPERS beneficiaries testified in front of the CalPERS board on March 18th and called on the fund to exit Exxon, CalPERS Board President Theresa Taylor responded in earnest: “We need a plan and that plan needs to include whether or not we keep [Exxon] in our portfolios."

Facing pressure from SB 252, a bill headed through the legislature that would require CalPERS to divest from fossil fuel companies by 2031, CalPERS’ future as an investor in Exxon may be limited. While CalPERS remains an investor, they can use their influence as stakeholders in fossil fuel companies to advocate for social and environmental justice. This week, over 7,000 people signed a petition led by Sierra Club and Stop the Money Pipeline requesting CalPERS to use its shareholder rights to vote against the Board of Directors at Exxon and other fossil fuel companies, and to advocate for climate and indigenous rights resolutions at various utility and bank shareholder meetings this spring. 

Stay tuned for future opportunities to get involved in this campaign.