Team, today California representatives placed their final votes of the legislative session.

Here's the good news: State leaders came in at the finish line to cobble together some wins on energy affordability. With a hostile federal government attacking working people, it was uplifting to see California leaders step up with vision and commitment to solve issues around affordability and clean energy.

But in a year that began with one of the deadliest and costliest climate disasters ever in Los Angeles, lawmakers missed key opportunities to step up as proactive leaders on climate. This tragedy should have defined California's path forward for years to come and inspired legislators to make bold change. Instead, the focus of conversation this year was on how California can prop up Big Oil because of refinery closures—something that was always part of our clean energy transition plan.

Right now, Governor Newsom is deciding whether to sign or veto a bill, SB 34, that would undo decades of hard work on air quality protections. Fill out our quick form to tell him that Californians want clean air—not polluter handouts.

There's a lot of unfinished business this year—like fixing bad policy that rolls back environmental review, making polluters pay, and fully funding clean cars, trucks, and public transit—but there's also a silver lining.  

When lawmakers come back for the next legislative session in 2026, they'll have an opportunity to revisit many of the bills that we've been fighting for all year. Bills to protect endangered species habitats, fund clean transportation options, and reduce demand for fossil fuels will all return—giving lawmakers another chance to address environmental protections, public health impacts, and skyrocketing costs. 

This has been a difficult year for everyone, and our elected leaders are on the front lines. In the face of a hostile federal government, affordability crisis, and escalating climate disasters devastating communities in our state, this is not an easy time to lead. 

But Californians are suffering, and we need to come back next year ready to tackle climate impacts head-on. Voters demand it, and California has a responsibility to lead as the fourth largest economy in the world and the only state able to carry us forward.

As we close out this legislative session, I want to give you my heartfelt thanks. Our community—that includes you!—has put in so much work, care, and time to make progress possible. The stories and passion of members like you are deeply inspiring, and I'm grateful for every single person on this team. You truly make such a difference and impact in the fight for climate progress.

Thank you for being here. Thank you for fighting. 

Melissa Romero
Policy Advocacy Director, EnviroVoters

If you want to read more about our take on the end of session outcomes and next steps for California, check out our full press release.

California Environmental Voters
1111 Broadway, Suite 300
Oakland, CA 94607
United States 
+15102710900 | [email protected]

EnviroVoters is hiring! Join us to work on critical climate legislation work.

California Environmental Voters (EnviroVoters), formerly California League of Conservation Voters, exists to build the political power to solve the climate crisis, advance justice, and create a roadmap for global action. To protect our air, land, water, and future, we organize voters, elect and train candidates, and hold lawmakers accountable for bold policy change. Our vision is to solve the climate crisis, build resilient, connected, healthy communities, and create a democracy and economy that is just and sustainable for all.

California Environmental Voters is 501 (c)(4) non-profit organization, and our Tax ID Number is 94-3169564. Gifts are not tax deductible as a charitable donation for federal income tax purposes.

If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe.