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| Blog Post

The anti-climate bill that worries me right now

California should ensure that rooftop solar is affordable for working-class Californians because it saves all of us money and makes the grid more resilient and clean. Instead, with the help of corporate utilities, state leaders are attempting to walk back promises to early adopters and make solar much less affordable for everyone. On June 3, … Read more

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Polluters have already spent $9 million to block California climate action this year

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

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Climate action will make California more affordable

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

| Press Release

California is facing a historic budget deficit. Making polluters pay is the solution. 

Activists and lawmakers gather for the Make Polluters Pay rally in fall of 2024. Photo by Ryan Schleeter.

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

| Blog Post

The 2025 California Climate Policy Summit: Growing our power together

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

| Blog Post

The Climate Center presents Senator Monique Limón with the second annual California Climate Leadership Award

Ellie Cohen and Senator Monique Limón

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

| Blog Post

Opening remarks at the California Climate Policy Summit 2025

CA Climate Policy Summit 2025

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

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The climate movement needs all hands on deck

We must act with courage and perseverance in these challenging times. That is one of the key takeaways I shared in a newly released book, Facing the Climate Future Together: Voices for Advocacy and Action, highlighting The Climate Center’s work alongside 32 other climate leaders.  These leaders know that taking action is essential to advancing … Read more

| Blog Post

Lal Mohammad joins The Climate Center as the Staff Accountant

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

| Blog Post

This compost bill could help farmers and the climate

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