Our Legislative Report Card and the Upcoming Election

As we find ourselves in an exhilarating (and exhausting) season of legislative activity and civic engagement, I bring you exciting updates from California's Capitol. Earlier this month, we released our 2024 Legislative Scorecard, which highlights our progress on the environment, and serves as a vital resource for understanding where our elected officials stand on the issues that matter most to their constituents. This year’s scores reflect the challenges we face, particularly regarding the urgent need for environmental justice.

We are also thrilled to also present a new fact sheet outlining the Sierra Club California scorecard process. This fact sheet is designed to provide transparency and clarity on how we evaluate legislative actions and votes. It is essential that we hold our elected leaders accountable and ensure they prioritize the needs of all Californians, especially those in communities most affected by environmental degradation. It’s vital that California’s government prioritizes protecting the health of frontline communities that are disproportionately impacted by land, water, and air pollution, as well as vulnerable ecosystems that support not only human life but also the diverse array of living creatures and plant life that share this land.

Regrettably, this year's scorecard reflects some tough assessments (with only two legislators achieving a 100% rating). There were several areas where our representatives did not adequately prioritize the voices and needs of environmental justice communities and conservation advocates. It’s essential that these communities and diverse interests are involved in the legislative process from the outset, and legislators need to ensure their concerns are addressed in the policies that shape their environment and health. We’re hoping that legislators understand deeply that positive change cannot happen in isolation; it requires inclusive dialogue and collaboration. With a very large number of new legislators set to take office next year, supporting and electing environmental champions is going to be critical not only for advancing meaningful environmental policies but also for fostering a future where all communities, and the ecosystems they depend on, can thrive together.

As we approach the upcoming election just days away, we have a unique opportunity to drive change  by supporting candidates endorsed by the Sierra Club at all levels and backing measures like Prop 4. This $10 billion Climate Bond allocates significant funding for vital environmental initiatives, including desert conservation, 30x30 programs, and renewable energy projects. Given the financial constraints faced by our state in recent years—and the potential for those challenges to persist—this funding is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss. Additionally, Prop 2 proposes a $10 billion bond for new construction, renovations, and enhancements essential for creating modern educational environments. As an organization dedicated to environmental sustainability and community welfare, Sierra Club California recognizes the importance of this measure in promoting both educational equity and environmental integrity.

But our commitment to justice cannot stop there. The ballot includes other critical measures relating to affordable housing, incarceration rights, minimum wage, access to medical care, and human rights. Each of these issues resonates deeply with the environmental movement; after all, sustainable living goes beyond preserving our air and water — it encompasses access to safe housing, equitable healthcare, quality education, and fair treatment under the law. Each aspect of our lives is interconnected, and we must advocate for an inclusive future that benefits all Californians.

At Sierra Club California, we believe that environmental justice and social justice are two sides of the same coin. As we gear up to vote, I urge each of you to not only educate yourselves on relevant ballot measures but also to engage in conversations within your communities. Share why these issues matter and how they intersect with environmental priorities. Together, we can foster a movement that uplifts marginalized voices and recognizes that a healthier planet is achievable only when all its inhabitants thrive.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our mission. Let's work together to ensure that the values of equity, justice, and sustainability shine brightly in our beautiful state.

In Solidarity,

Bobbi Jo Chavarria
Acting Director