New California Energy Bill Protects Vulnerable Communities from Pollution

(SACRAMENTO – September 27, 2016) California Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 1937 (Gomez) into law yesterday, protecting communities already disproportionately burdened with pollution associated with natural gas generation. The new law requires utilities to seek and favor sites for fossil fuel power plants that are not within communities already suffering from high levels of pollution. Instead, they will be prompted to deploy clean energy solutions like solar in these areas.

“California leaders put communities first by taking a step to protect the people most impacted by further fossil fuel development in their backyards. This new law will help cut pollution where it matters most and bring the state closer to providing a clean energy future for all.”

• Lauren Navarro, Attorney & California Senior Manager, Clean Energy, Environmental Defense Fund

“AB 1937 is an important step towards bringing justice to communities who have long suffered the disproportionate burdens of living next to polluting power plants. AB 1937 will continue to make California a leader on climate and renewable energy by helping to meet our state goals to transition off of fossil fuels and bring more local renewable energy in communities that need it the most.”

• Strela Cervas, Co-Director, California Environmental Justice Alliance