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California needs an energy transition that benefits communities, workers, and the climate

Phillips 66 Los Angeles Refinery in Wilmington. Photo by Emmett Institute / Flickr.

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

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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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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

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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

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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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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

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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

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Three new California climate bills I’m excited about

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

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Testimony: Use distributed energy resources to mitigate utility fire risk

Power lines at sunset. Photo via Canva.

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

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Testimony: Reform Cap and Trade to cut pollution and help working Californians

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