Final budget agreement must prioritize proven climate investments

“Climate change won’t wait for a convenient moment for us to face the growing threats it imposes on our health, lives, and economy. The actions we take over the next decade are vital to preventing the worst possible scenarios for our kids’ future. Proven solutions require committed investment from California’s leaders through good times and bad.

“There is a lot of important work ahead and we look forward to finalizing a budget agreement that includes Governor Newsom’s $200 million proposal to make zero-emission cars more affordable through a point of sale incentive and provides $65 million in Proposition 4 funds to build community and economic resilience through the Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program. For cleaner air and reduced climate emissions, we urge lawmakers to fund purchase incentives for zero-emission delivery trucks and tractor trailers and to maintain the nation’s largest virtual power plant through the Demand Side Grid Support Program at the California Energy Commission, which helps drive California’s transition away from dirty, expensive fossil-fuel electricity.”

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