Governor, Senate and Assembly Agree to Three-Party Budget Deal

(SACRAMENTO, Ca. – June 28, 2023) In a flurry of last-minute negotiations, Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Senate and Assembly have agreed to a major budget deal. This suite of legislation ensures California starts the fiscal year on July 1 with a balanced budget in place. This budget agreement is part of a much broader and ongoing policy discussion including permitting reform and infrastructure. The main budget bill was signed by Governor Newsom today, and votes and signatures on the balance of the package are expected in the coming days.

• Statement of Katelyn Roedner Sutter, California State Director

“EDF appreciates California’s elected leadership finding a path forward to ensure funding for clean transportation, building decarbonization and data for better water management. We also recognize the consistent prioritization and investment in forest and fire management to increase resilience and avoid catastrophic wildfires. These are urgent investments – the governor, Senate and Assembly recognize they cannot be delayed as Californians across the state continue to experience the impacts of a changing climate.

“At the same time, more resources are always needed to fully fund these and many other health-protective priorities, flood and drought resilience, and strategies like the Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program to create a more adaptive landscape. We look forward to working with the administration and the legislature to ensure California can secure additional revenue and maximize federal funds for these investments.

“Simultaneously, we will continue to remain engaged in ongoing policy discussions to ensure permitting reform does not increase the environmental burden in disadvantaged communities, maintains robust environmental review and community engagement, and that California can build the infrastructure it will need to meet its clean energy goals.”