Letter from Sacramento: Thank Goodness It’s Over: You Should Resolve

I can’t find anyone within my network of friends, neighbors and relatives who isn’t happy to see 2020 approach its end. And just as I did last year, I’m thinking about the next year and the resolutions waiting to be made.

Not my resolutions, mind you. But everyone else’s.

So here we go again with another round of suggested resolutions.

For oil and gas lobbyists: Your success means the planet dies. Make 2021 the year you change your client base.

For food packagers: Stop using plastic. There are so many affordable alternatives now, and there’s no need to wait for legislation or a ballot measure.

For the California Energy Commission: Be brave, be bold and remember that there isn’t a plan B for the planet: Do the right thing and decarbonize new buildings through the Title 24 Building Code.

For the California Air Resources Board: Keep being a brave, bold example for the California Energy Commission--and the rest of the world--to follow. Improve equity and opportunities internally and externally. As always, California’s breathers are depending on you.

For the Department of Water Resources: End your tunnel vision. There are so many better things you could be doing to help make sure Californians have a safe and sustainable water supply.

For newly elected California legislators: Lobbyists of every sort feign subservience. They laugh at your jokes and compliment you on your intelligence, over and over again. Commit to not letting it go to your head. Remember that not everyone thinks you’re an essential worker.

For returning California legislators: Many of you failed to step up on environmental legislation this year. Make 2021 the year you wake up and demonstrate a political will to assertively address the existential crisis we’re all facing.

For Governor Gavin Newsom: What can I say that will be constructive but adequately reflect the effect of your inaction on so many key issues affecting California’s air, water, climate, parks, people and wildlife? Maybe this: Keep your resume updated.

For Sierra Club members: Watch the inauguration on January 20 and feel proud that you played a significant role in helping roll back a dangerous threat to democracy.

For everyone: Stay safe, stay healthy, and wear a mask until this pandemic is over. And when it has clearly passed, dance with someone you’ve missed.

Peace to all of you.

Sincerely,