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My journey in the nonprofit sector began at a young age, driven by a deep desire to support my community — especially those relying heavily on international aid and development, including many USAID-funded projects. From 2004 to 2015, I had the opportunity to work on a variety of impactful projects in Afghanistan, ranging from clean … Read more
American farmers are hurting. Federal officials recently announced plans to close nearly two dozen environmental offices, including four in California that help farmers conserve soil, water, and other natural resources. The administration also fired federal employees whose jobs supported farmers and ranchers, and continues to withhold federal funds that were promised to farmers for clean … Read more
Electricity rates have reached unacceptable levels for Californians in recent months. PG&E’s rates increased once again on March 1 and California state senators recently reprimanded the California Public Utility Commission for the approval of six PG&E rate hikes in the past year. In addition, Californians are paying for surging energy demand from the growth of … Read more
As the president dismantles climate progress and much more, California’s bold climate leadership is needed more urgently than ever. That’s why I’m especially excited about these three new climate bills before California’s state legislature. The Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act — introduced as SB 684 (Menjivar) in the Senate and AB 1243 (Addis) in the … Read more
On March 5, 2025, the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee held a hearing on Utility Wildfire Spending. In the wake of the Los Angeles fires, the state is considering how to mitigate wildfires sparked by utility infrastructure, and they should utilize the potential of distributed energy resources to build a cleaner, more resilient electricity system. 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
Big Oil spent a record $38 million on lobbying in California in 2024 to obstruct climate progress, shattering its 2017 record by 31 percent. The Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) and Chevron, which together accounted for 83 percent of the industry’s expenditure in 2024, broke their previous spending record, with a combined $31.6 million last … 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
State lawmakers will begin the long process of reauthorizing and possibly reforming California’s Cap and Trade program this year. Cap and Trade is California’s market-based system intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It works by setting a limit on the total amount of emissions allowed within the state, then allowing companies to buy and sell … Read more
While the new presidential administration is trying to dismantle much of the nation’s clean energy progress, the world is still investing twice as much in clean energy as it does in fossil fuels. The European Union is using less coal and natural gas and China had a record surge in clean energy projects in 2024, … Read more
