The Legislative Session Is Done, But Our Work Continues

September has been a busy month for California’s fight against climate change. The legislative session concluded on the 14th with key wins for the environment and California communities. Sierra Club California and its allies helped pass several key pieces of legislation, including: Assembly Bill 1167, which will help ensure that California taxpayers are not stuck with the bill for cleaning up abandoned oil wells that get sold off to less financially stable buyers; Senate Bill 337, which codifies an Executive Order and commits the state to protect and conserve 30 percent of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030; and Senate Bills 253 and 261, two first in the nation laws that will expand transparency in corporate emissions.

During climate week in New York, Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta announced a groundbreaking lawsuit against five of the world’s largest oil companies. The suit alleges Big Oil knew as far back as the 1950s that their polluting practices have been a major contributor to climate change. Sierra Club California applauds this leadership and we hope Newsom will continue to hold Big Oil accountable for their destruction of the environment.

Our staff and volunteers will be busy in the months ahead engaging on key actions at regulatory agencies, preparing for the 2024 Legislative session, and continuing their ongoing efforts to protect California communities and the environment. There will be important opportunities to maintain the momentum we’ve built this year, and you can help ensure that happens in a few ways. 

First, email Governor Newsom and tell him to sign several crucial environmental bills by October 14th. The Governor has 30 days from the last day of the legislative session to sign bills and every email counts! 

Second, be on the lookout for Sierra Club California’s 2023 Legislative Report Card in mid-October. Every year we issue a scorecard detailing how each legislator voted on certain environmental bills. The scorecard is an important tool in holding elected officials accountable for their record on the environment.

Third, attend Sierra Club California’s 2023 Annual Summit on November 4th. This year’s theme is “The Fierce Urgency of Now” and will feature special guest speakers including California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and other government officials. Register to attend here. A complete agenda and link will be sent out in October.

Fourth, in late November and early December, take care to monitor the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), an international climate summit that California politicians, regulators, and advocates always have a significant presence at. This summit focuses on what national and local actions governments can take to address the climate crisis, and there are always major climate announcements around the event. 

Lastly, as always, continue to support Sierra Club California and the great work that our volunteers and staff do to defend our state’s precious natural resources and hold polluters accountable. You can read about some of this work in our recently released Impact Report. 

Thank you for your commitment to the environment.

Sincerely,