California Senate budget proposal prioritizes families and communities in the fight against climate change

SACRAMENTO — Today the California State Senate released a budget plan to “Protect Our Progress,” intended to take a responsible approach to budgeting while protecting core state programs including several Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) priorities on water, natural resources, zero-emission transportation and building decarbonization. This proposed plan responds to Governor Newsom’s January budget plan and affirms several of the governor’s proposals while rejecting others.

Statement from Katelyn Roedner Sutter, California State Director, Environmental Defense Fund:

“EDF applauds the Senate’s commitment to addressing the needs of California families and communities in their budget proposal. Restoring and protecting the groundwater that grows the food that feeds Californians and the world is vital. Reducing air pollution by decarbonizing our buildings, cleaning up our ports, and zeroing out the emissions from heavy duty transportation will help address the ongoing public health threats from poor air quality. Senate leadership recognizes that these budget priorities can and must be addressed in a responsible manner that centers Californians and their desire to prioritize the climate and clean air crisis that is wreaking havoc on their daily lives. 

“We look forward to working with the Newsom administration and leadership in both the Senate and Assembly to craft a final budget that is both inclusive and sustainable – this is exactly the moment to double down on California’s leadership role in advancing meaningful climate solutions.”