States are where the climate action is these days, and California has been a leader among leaders! Recent federal attacks on climate progress coupled with unprecedented climate impacts make me more committed than ever to ensure we continue to lead here in the Golden State to rapidly cut climate pollution and make our communities more … Read more
On August 20, 2025, the Assembly Utilities and Energy, Natural Resources, and Transportation Committees held a joint hearing on how to further an equitable transition from fossil fuels to clean transportation fuels. The following testimony was given to the committees by Allison Hilliard, Legislative Manager for The Climate Center: We need bold, equitable action to … Read more
As California continues to clean up air and climate pollution, oil refineries will inevitably close. With wind and solar already more economically competitive than fossil fuels, the transition to a clean energy economy is already underway; it’s just a question of how we get there. Will it be a smooth or bumpy road? The abrupt, … Read more
Just one year ago, fossil fuel corporations were forced to withdraw a California ballot measure that would have canceled public health protections for communities near oil and gas drilling operations. Today, those same corporations are fighting back with a vengeance, laying the groundwork to expand drilling on land and at sea in California. Since losing … Read more
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
California is a major petroleum refining state. However, two refineries — Phillips 66 in Wilmington and Valero in Benicia — have announced plans to close at the end of 2025 and early 2026, respectively. Together, these refineries produce about 17 percent of the state’s gasoline supply. If both refineries close as planned, the state could … 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
Right now, California lawmakers have an opportunity to secure a more affordable and livable future for us all through climate-smart policies. Our work here is more urgent than ever: the state faces an estimated $12 billion deficit and the law- and science-denying administration in D.C. is hellbent on destroying 55 years of environmental protection and … 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
Thanks to the more than 400 of you who were able to join us last week for the 2025 California Climate Policy Summit in Sacramento. It was an inspiring day of learning, action, and community, despite the challenges we face from rapidly worsening climate impacts and a science-denying, pro-oil federal administration. California State Senate President … Read more
