Governor Gavin Newsom Must Hit the Ground Running on Climate Goals

“Governor Newsom’s leadership will be put to the test on a number of key issues, none as urgent as safeguarding California from the increasingly dangerous impacts of climate change.

“Californians live with year-round catastrophic wildfires that threaten lives and communities. Multi-year droughts are stressing water supplies. Rising sea levels and flooding threaten to ravage our coastal communities. It is imperative that Governor Newsom address these threats with solutions that make California more resilient to climate change.

“Fortunately, California has history of bold action on climate that gives the Newsom Administration momentum as it approaches major policy decisions for managing wildfire risk, protecting water supplies, reducing greenhouses gases, and strengthening urban and rural infrastructure to protect the state’s most vulnerable citizens against extreme weather.

“At the same time, California has been an unparalleled leader on fighting climate change with innovative policies, from the state’s groundbreaking cap-and-trade program to visionary commitments on clean cars and clean energy. Newsom’s California must remain a global climate pacesetter, as leaders around the world are watching. 

“We stand ready to partner with Governor Newsom and his administration in tackling some of the state’s most consequential challenges. The new governor has been a long-time champion on the issues that matter most to Californians. We are counting on him and his administration to bring relentless energy and bold leadership to the fight against climate change and for climate resilience.”

• David Festa, Senior Vice President, Environmental Defense Fund