Inside Sacramento: 2025 Climate Policy Recap

Senator Henry Stern is a sixth-generation Californian and native of his Senate District, which includes parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Senator Stern currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies and Chair of Joint Legislative Committee on Emergency Management, overseeing California’s carbon neutrality efforts and supporting the acceleration of resilient climate infrastructure. He also serves as the Senate’s Ex Officio member to the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Senator Stern authored SB 261 and co-authored SB 253, landmark climate laws that establish the nation’s first requirements for large corporations to publicly disclose their greenhouse gas emissions, carbon embedded in supply chains, and climate risks.

Assemblymember Isaac Bryan represents California’s 55th Assembly District. He is Chair of the Committee on Natural Resources. Isaac’s legislative accomplishments include establishing extreme heat mitigation planning in local communities and phasing out the Inglewood Oil Field and other oil drilling near homes and communities in California. He has secured over $36 million in funding for green infrastructure projects, climate change education, and clean tech development. In 2024, he coauthored a bill establishing a $10 billion climate bond to finance projects for safe drinking water, drought preparedness, extreme heat mitigation, wildfire prevention, clean air programs, and other efforts to protect communities from the effects of climate change.

Cristina Garcia, CEO and founder of Conéctate Green Strategies, has a robust track record in the California State Legislature, particularly in environmental justice and climate change mitigation. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing renewable energy, reducing emissions, and pollution reduction. As a former chair of the Women’s Caucus, Cristina significantly expanded its influence, supporting the election of many of its current 59 members and serving as a vital mentor and strategist. In the Legislature she championed for policies on waste management, pollution reduction, renewable energy, and green technology adoption.

Faraz Rizvi is a writer and activist based out of Southern California. He studied Political Science at UC Riverside and began organizing through electoral work in the Inland Empire and conducting research with the Center for Working Class Politics. With a background in communications and environmental justice, he previously served at the Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ) and currently serves as Campaign and Policy Manager for APEN.

Jeff St. John is chief reporter and policy specialist at Canary Media. He covers the intersection of technological, economic, and regulatory issues influencing the global transition to low-carbon energy in the electricity, transportation, and building sectors. His areas of expertise include innovative grid technologies, rooftop solar and batteries, clean hydrogen, electric vehicles, EV charging, and broader decarbonization policy.