California Shows Climate Policy is an Affordability Solution, Needed Now More than Ever

“Climate change threatens our health, lives and economy. Confronting it requires committed engagement, partnership and investment. While the Trump Administration flirts with disaster in embracing isolationism, blocking clean energy progress and digging in on failed policies fueling higher prices and the climate crisis, California is advancing affordability solutions for families on a budget while cutting pollution and growing our economy. The world can keep looking to California for climate leadership when it cannot look to the current federal administration. With Governor Newsom’s leadership, California is solidifying emissions reduction through last year’s Cap and Invest program extension, expanding access to cheaper and cleaner power in helping consolidate a Western electricity market, and supporting climate policy innovations to help communities in need. More jurisdictions seek partnerships with us and there is a lot of important work ahead. This year, EDF looks forward to working with California’s leaders on a state budget to reduce the state’s largest source of climate emissions by making zero-emission vehicles more affordable and accessible, to accelerate our transition from dirty, expensive electricity by supporting the nation’s largest virtual power plant, and to build community resilience to emerging climate threats through repurposing land.”

• Katelyn Roedner Sutter, California Senior Director, Environmental Defense Fund