Ryan Schleeter 
Early this past Saturday morning, I woke up with my heart racing, wondering why so many people had to die in the horrific, climate-fueled flooding in Texas last Friday. And why so many more will suffer from the cruel, big, ugly bill signed into law by the president over the weekend — a bill that … Read more
Big Oil’s record-breaking lobbying spending is delaying climate action in California (again). Oil and gas corporations operating in California spent more than $9 million to influence the state legislature in the first three months of 2025 alone. Chevron and the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA), the top lobbying spenders from 2024, each spent more than … Read more
SACRAMENTO — Today, Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled his May budget revision, which outlines his plans to address a historic deficit estimated at $12 billion. In response, Barry Vesser, Chief Operating Officer for The Climate Center, said: “California is in a budget crisis. Making Polluters Pay is the solution. The state cannot afford to continue giving … Read more
The California Cap and Trade Program plays a pivotal role in the state’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The program is currently under review to incorporate updated emissions inventory data and the increased emissions reduction targets adopted in the 2022 Scoping Plan. The revised regulations will determine emissions targets, budgets, and potential reforms for … Read more
Welcome Senator Monique Limón! We are thrilled and honored to award you with this year’s California Climate Leadership Award. Senator Limón was elected to the Senate in November 2020 and represents Santa Barbara County, most of Ventura County, and part of San Luis Obispo County. Senator Limón is a leader among leaders. She is Chair … Read more
On April 22, 2025, The Climate Center convened 400 climate activists, environmental justice advocates, state decision-makers, elected officials, business leaders, scientists, and policy experts for the fourth annual California Climate Policy Summit. Thank you to everyone who joined us! Together, we’ll continue building support for accelerated, equitable climate policy. Read here the opening remarks from The … Read more
On February 26, 2025, the California Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies held a hearing on the state’s Cap and Trade program. California’s Cap and Trade program. The program is supposed to be one of the most effective tools California has for both reducing climate pollution and generating funds to invest in climate solutions. … Read more
On February 19, 2025, the California Senate Energy, Utilities, and Communications Committee held a hearing on how to provide clean, affordable electricity. Electricity rates in California are nearly double the national average and have skyrocketed in recent years, outpacing inflation even while investor-owned utilities rake in record profits. The following expert testimony was provided to … Read more
SACRAMENTO — Global oil majors played a pivotal role in orchestrating a multibillion-dollar tax dodge that shields corporate profits from California taxes, according to new, in-depth historical research and analysis by The Climate Center. The Water’s Edge tax election, established in the state in 1986 after a decade-long fight, enables multinational corporations to avoid taxes … Read more
This paper presents a pathway for reforms needed in California to achieve a future in which everyone has access to clean, affordable, and reliable electricity. The landscape in this new world is dotted with solar panels on every suitable rooftop, complemented by a resilient network of microgrids as well as mobile and stationary batteries that … Read more
