The 2026 California legislative session came to a close on August 31, and the legislation passed by our representatives is now awaiting Governor Newsom’s signature.
As a reminder, The Climate Center crafts, sponsors, and supports bold, ambitious climate legislation in three areas: phasing out polluting fuels, building community energy resilience, and drawing carbon out of the atmosphere. Here’s what happened with the bills we were most excited about this year, and how you can help get them signed by the governor:
Local and affordable clean energy legislation: A package of four bills, including The Climate Center’s co-sponsored legislation SB 913 (Becker), passed the legislature! All four bills — SB 913, SB 868 (Wiener), AB 1813 (Ward), and SB 905 (Becker) — will help make clean electricity a reality by utilizing local energy sources to save money and strengthen the grid. Similar legislation was vetoed by Governor Newsom last year despite bipartisan support, so we’re working hard to ensure we get these bills across the finish line.
Scaling up nature-based climate solutions: Two pieces of legislation focused on preserving our natural lands, AB 2494 (Rogers), the State Demonstration Forest Bill, and AB 1891 (Connolly), the Beneficial Fire Capacity Act, passed the legislature. AB 2494 will help preserve existing forests, while AB 1891 will increase wildfire resilience. Both bills support tribal land stewardship.
Legislation to hold corporate polluters accountable: The Refinery Transparency Act, SB 1259 (Blakespear), did not have the votes to pass the Assembly last weekend. Big Oil poured millions of dollars into killing this bill, which would have simply required refiners to disclose the true cost of cleaning up their pollution. Thankfully, AB 2157 (Connolly), which extends California’s Displaced Oil and Gas Workers Fund, is on the governor’s desk for signature despite oil lobbyist opposition. The $30 million fund has already helped 600 oil and gas industry workers transition to new careers.
Governor Newsom has until September 30 to sign or veto legislation. Remember, this is his last opportunity to cement his climate legacy as governor (before he ostensibly launches his run on the national stage).
This summer alone, The Climate Center community has sent in more than 6,000 messages to state leaders in support of bold climate legislation like the bills listed above. Thank you! Our job isn’t done yet, though. Urge Governor Newsom to sign The Climate Center’s co-sponsored bill, SB 913, the Local Clean Power Act, and stay tuned for more action opportunities.
This blog first appeared in The Climate Center’s bi-weekly newsletter. To keep up with the latest climate news and ways to take action for a climate-safe future, subscribe today!
