California State Assembly Leadership Set to Continue Legacy of Ambitious Climate Action

“For the last 6 years, California State Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon has been a notable champion of ambitious and equitable climate action that will protect communities around the state. Under his collaborative and thoughtful leadership in the Assembly, California has passed some of the most significant clean energy, groundwater conservation and environmental equity laws in the country.

“Most recently, Speaker Rendon ensured that California’s slate of climate legislation adopted at the end of the 2021-2022 legislative session elevated the state’s climate fight and created important protections for local communities on the frontlines of climate change. At the same time, Speaker Rendon led the chamber to pass a state budget including record climate investments that support environmental equity, build a clean economy and protect public health. Environmental Defense Fund is grateful for Speaker Rendon’s leadership and looks forward to building on these successes with him in the coming year, and with Speaker-Designee Robert Rivas thereafter.

“Speaker-Designee Rivas has demonstrated a strong and long-lasting commitment to climate action that addresses the needs of a wide variety of communities – notably with his vision for multi-benefit land repurposing to support groundwater sustainability and ensure a resilient water and land future for rural communities and growers. This multifaceted approach to finding solutions that support resilient and thriving communities will undoubtedly be an asset to Speaker-Designee Rivas in his new role.

“Environmental Defense Fund is looking forward to continuing the chamber’s legacy of ambitious climate action under Speaker-Designee Rivas’s leadership, and we warmly congratulate him on his selection.”

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