Energy and Water Remain Major Issues Facing California

(SACRAMENTO, CA – Feb. 12, 2019) “California has long been an environmental leader, and Gov. Newsom today sent a powerful message that the state will continue that legacy. Wildfires, drought and other impacts of climate change will be a challenge for California in the years to come, but by doubling down on our commitments to expand the use of clean, affordable, reliable energy, the future will be brighter than ever. We salute Governor Newsom’s vision for a clean energy economy and his recognition that our state’s investments will impact the next generation in new ways that will require new solutions. EDF looks forward to working with his administration to achieve this vision.”

• Timothy O’Connor, Senior Director, California Energy Program, Environmental Defense Fund

“We are encouraged that Gov. Newsom emphasized the urgent need for California to meet its massive water challenges head on and commend him for calling the lack of clean drinking water for 1 million Californians a ‘disgrace’ and ‘medical emergency.’ We stand ready to help pass long-overdue legislation for more sustained funding to solve this crisis.

“We join Newsom in highlighting the first task for Joaquin Esquivel, newly named chair of the State Water Resources Control Board, should be reaching real agreements to save the Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta. It is time not only to move past the old binaries of farmers versus environmentalists and North versus South, but also to usher in a new era of compromise and solutions that support people, the economy and ecosystems.”

• Maurice Hall, Associate VP, Ecosystems – Water, Environmental Defense Fund