Letter from Sacramento: Two Easy Ways to Make a Big Impact on Our Future

Earlier this month, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its scientific findings that will inform its next major climate report, currently expected in 2022.

The findings were...alarming.

The climate crisis has been well underway for decades and is only accelerating. Californians - especially frontline, low-income, and communities of color - know this all too well. Historic droughts. Superstorms. Record-breaking wildfires. Rapid sea-level rise leading to catastrophic floods. These are just a few of the phenomena the report highlights.

It would be easy to be pessimistic about the future. But even when reading about a future so grim, I found myself with an overwhelming feeling of determination and perseverance.

The Sierra Club has endured nearly 130 years - not because it cowered in the face of a grim reality, but because its members, volunteers, and supporters (like you!) took on the challenge of meeting the moment, and advocating for a breathable and livable future for the next generation.

So I’m asking you to take action again. There are two easy ways you can do that.

First, call your legislators, and tell them to support critical legislation that will be beneficial for California communities and the environment.

Legislators need to hear that their constituents support bold, practical legislation that will help mitigate the worst impacts of the climate crisis and protect our environment.

Call your State Senator and tell them to support AB 1346 (Berman) will reduce air pollution by requiring CARB to develop and adopt regulations that prohibit the sale of small off gas-powered engines, such as the ones frequently found in lawn and garden equipment. Also, call your Assemblymember and tell them to support SB 343 (Allen), which will reduce consumer confusion about which plastics are recyclable in California.

You can find who your senator and assembly member is and contact info here. Tell them to support a number of bills that can be found on Sierra Club’s priority bill list.

Second, vote in the California Recall Election on or before September 14.

As my predecessor once said about voting: “There’s nothing more important that any Californian can do, with so little effort, to demonstrate a commitment to our state and the environment.”

The results of the recall election will have major implications for how we address and prevent the worst impacts of the climate crisis that the IPCC report warns of. So do your part. Make your voice heard. Mail your ballot.

Thanks in advance for making an impact.

Sincerely,