FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2024
Contact: Michael Blenner, michael.blenner@sierraclub.org
Governor’s May Budget Revision Preserves Funding Cuts for Environmental Programs Amidst Major Budget Deficit
Sacramento, CA - Today, Governor Gavin Newsom released the 2024-2025 May Revision to his state budget proposal. The May Revise maintains potential solutions detailed in the January budget to address an anticipated $38 billion shortfall. It also provides a proposal to manage an additional $7 billion budget shortfall.
The May Revise offers hope that funding for critical programs, including the Equitable Building Decarbonization, Salton Sea Restoration, transit, clean energy, zero-emission vehicle, and nature-based solution programs will be maintained through alternative funding solutions. Funding for environmentally harmful water storage projects was appropriately reduced in the May Revise
However, the May Revise also increases and expands cuts to key programs. These programs include outdoor equity and wildlife restoration grants, which are needed to achieve the Administration’s 30x30 goal of increasing outdoor access for all Californians and conserving 30% of our lands and coastal waters by 2030. Additional cuts to funding in future years for the Active Transportation Program will delay important programs for reducing California’s greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality for communities across the state.
This year’s May Revise is considerably lighter on detail than previous years, in part as a result of the extended filing deadlines from the IRS following extreme weather events that impacted millions of Californians. The increasing frequency and severity of climate disasters that Californians have experienced over the last year emphasizes how important reliable and ongoing funding for climate and community initiatives are to the state. Sierra Club California will be closely monitoring as more details are released by the Administration to ensure the Governor is responsive to the voice of Californians across the state.
Statement from Erin Woolley, Senior Policy Strategist Sierra Club California
“The Governor and the Legislature face challenging economic decisions to grapple with a significant budget gap this year. This economic strain has been exacerbated by the increasing number of climate-related disasters affecting Californians. The May Revise budget shortfalls underscore the importance of investing in climate resilience solutions today, to protect Californians tomorrow.
Unfortunately, the Governor’s top climate resilience priority, the Delta Tunnel, is likely to cause significant ecological and environmental justice harms, and will cost California ratepayers over $16 Billion to construct. Sierra Club California and our allies will be working closely with the legislature and administration to find ways to support vital programs to achieve the state’s clean energy, transportation, and climate resilience goals.
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.