Capitol Voice October 2024

By Molly Culton

The Governor's ten climate action ideas present a roadmap for individuals to combat climate change at an individual level, and these initiatives align closely with the ongoing grassroots efforts of Sierra Club California’s issue committees, our local chapters, and dedicated regional groups. Join today!

Last month, I attended the California Community Colleges C3 Converge conference, which focused on how community colleges can drive climate action both on campus and in the communities they serve. My goal in attending this conference was to identify the ways in which grassroots organizations such as Sierra Club California can support and uplift this important work.

Also last month, during Climate Action Week in New York City, Governor Newsom announced a new statewide initiative to encourage Californians to take climate action every day. Examples of actions include planting trees, composting, recycling, getting outside, visiting your local farmer’s market, and walking or riding your bike to school or work. The goal is to achieve one million pledges, and with over 500,000 members and supporters statewide, Sierra Club California is a crucial partner in this campaign. If each one of you took the “Climate Action Counts” pledge today, we would be halfway to reaching the state’s goal. This would showcase the impact of Sierra Club California as a vital partner in this campaign and in the broader movement for sustainability. Together, we can demonstrate the collective power of our commitment to a healthier planet!

Between the C3 Converge Conference and the Climate Action Counts campaign, I reflected on my own experience at community college and the interface with Sierra Club California. I attended Butte Community College, situated 75 miles north of Sacramento and nestled in the rolling foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Its 928 acres function both as a college campus as well as a designated wildlife refuge. It was the first college in the nation to become “grid positive”, meaning its 25,000 onsite solar panels generate more clean renewable electricity than the campus requires, sending excess energy back into the grid.

Meanwhile, oil companies wanted to frack in Butte County–a little known practice to the general public at the time. As a student enrolled in the Sustainability Studies program, volunteers from the local Sierra Club group came to our classroom to educate us young people about the dangers of fracking. This was my first exposure to the Sierra Club as well as the horrors of extractive oil production. In partnership with the Sierra Club, the students helped circulate petitions to collect signatures for a ballot measure to enact a citizens ban on fracking in Butte County.

Not only were we successful in getting the measure placed on the ballot, but the measure passed by almost 30,000 votes. How serendipitous that my first involvement in the environmental movement resulted in such a huge win for both my home community as well as the climate. Years later this resulted in full time employment with the same organization that taught me the importance of environmental protection and advocacy!

I hope my story inspires you to not only take the “Climate Action Counts” Pledge, but to also consider how the Sierra Club can serve as a powerful force for change in your community. This could include reaching out to your local community college and engaging students in local initiatives. Together, we can amplify our impact and foster a culture of sustainability!

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead

By Mahtisa Djahangiri

Earlier this month, Sierra Club volunteers and staff from across the state gathered with around 400 others in Sacramento for the annual 30x30 Partnership Summit hosted by the California Natural Resources Agency. This event was an opportunity for folks who work on all aspects of 30x30 to foster relationships and strengthen the ways we work together to reach our collective biodiversity, equity, access, conservation, and climate resilience goals. 

As part of the summit, our 30x30 team organized a field trip to celebrate the addition of Molok Luyuk, meaning Condor Ridge in the Patwin language, to the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. Together with our amazing partners, including Tuleyome, and the California Native Plant Society, we explored the stunning Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve, surrounded by breathtaking views of the National Monument and Lake Berryessa. Historic trails across Molok Luyuk connected the Patwin people to the Pomo, Wappo, and Miwok tribes, facilitating a rich network of trade and cultural exchange throughout the region. Indigenous peoples from all directions gathered at its springs for ceremonies and healing, while local plants, such as McNap cypress, have long been used for food, ceremonies, tools, and medicine.

The 30x30 initiative is vital for protecting these beautiful landscapes for future generations. As we hiked through a landscape altered by wildfire and invasive plants during a brutal late-season heat wave, the urgency of our mission became increasingly evident. The devastating impacts of climate change are not just distant threats; they are unfolding right before our eyes, affecting ecosystems and communities alike. During our discussions, we recognized that protecting and restoring natural landscapes is not only essential for biodiversity but also for building resilience against climate extremes. 

We also saw a major success this month with the designation of the Chumash National Heritage Marine Sanctuary, encompassing 4,543 square miles of Central California’s coast. While the designation does not automatically count towards California’s 30x30 acreage goals, it is a critical example of collaboration with California Native American Tribes and tribal groups. It is important to highlight and honor that “respect for and participation by Indigenous Peoples is central to the purpose and success of this sanctuary” (NOAA). By prioritizing conservation efforts, we can help mitigate the impacts of climate change, safeguard vital habitats, and ensure that future generations inherit a thriving and vibrant natural world.

Want to get involved in our 30x30 work? Sign up at our website here.

 

Transparency is Essential in California’s Hydrogen Rollout

By Jakob Evans

In Sierra Club California’s 2024 Legislative Report Card, we scored legislators on 11 bills, including SB 1420 (Caballero). As signed by the Governor, this bill streamlines the permitting process for emissions-intensive “gray” hydrogen facilities that receive state funding. Sierra Club California joined a coalition of environmental justice and environmental groups to oppose the bill as it progressed through the legislature.

While we appreciate amendments that limited the bill's scope, we remained opposed due to concerns that the streamlining included in the bill would prevent communities impacted by these hydrogen projects from engaging in the permitting process. 

Sierra Club holds a nuanced position on hydrogen, due to the many ways it can be produced and used. We support the use of green, electrolytic hydrogen in hard-to-decarbonize industrial sectors. However, SB 1420 streamlines the permitting of hydrogen projects that utilize biomass and waste products, including livestock gas and municipal solid waste, as feedstocks. The use of these emissions-intensive feedstocks could exacerbate public health issues for frontline communities surrounding these facilities.

Sierra Club California previously highlighted the need for transparency as the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES), California’s hydrogen hub, pursues the 37 projects it received federal funding for this July. This need for transparency has only intensified after the signing of SB 1420. For example, a waste-to-hydrogen project in Jurupa Valley could use the streamlining provisions of SB 1420, as its developer has received funding from ARCHES. Transparent community engagement is vital while this project is in the conceptualization stage. If the project’s permitting is streamlined under SB 1420, this is the prime time to ensure that community members, including our local San Gorgonio Chapter activists and their partners, can address concerns about potential safety and health impacts.

As the state rushes to bring hydrogen production projects online, it must ensure that it is not harming communities historically overburdened by oil and gas pollution in the process. Keep an eye on your inbox for future opportunities to help support these efforts.