Should Newsom do more to fight climate change? + Water efficiency bill
Good morning and welcome to the A.M. Alert!
GROUP SAYS NEWSOM ISN’T DOING ENOUGH TO STOP CLIMATE CRISIS
A group of current and former elected officials have a message for California Gov. Gavin Newsom: Do more about climate change.
Elected Officials to Protect America California, a group made up of 430 California elected officials, released that statement in response to Newsom’s State of the State address and the ongoing climate crisis facing California (and the rest of the globe).
The group offered its applause to Newsom for the steps he has taken, but said that that is only the beginning of what needs to be done.
“With all due respect for the work the Governor has achieved in our race to save humanity from these calamities — it’s not enough. Only he has the power with the stroke of a pen to take bolder action that would achieve the goals EOPA California has outlined,” the group said in a statement.
“To that end over 430 elected officials, representing more than half of Californians, have signed our letter urging immediate action for him to stop issuing new fossil fuel permits, phase out fossil fuels, and institute 2,500-foot buffers between existing drill operations and community sites, while ensuring a just transition for workers in the fossil fuel industries as the state transitions to 100 percent clean energy,” the group said. “We appreciate that the Governor has taken steps in these areas, but they are invisible actions for every Californian who breathes deadly toxins daily, and will not be enough to meet the challenge the world faces. The magnitude of the global climate crisis demands action at the same scale.”
The group cites the United Nations 2022 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report that warns that nations simply are not doing enough to protect their people from the effects of climate change.
“California must live up to its reputation of being a climate leader and invest in green energy solutions like offshore wind to ensure our energy independence. It’s time to build a 100 percent clean energy economy that provides union jobs, secures our energy supply and environmental justice, lowers families’ energy bills and allows every youth in our state to grow up breathing clean air to live long lives. We have the technologies. Now it’s up to Governor Newsom to lead our state, and the nation,” the group said.
You can read the letter that the group sent to Newsom yourself by visiting here.
LAWMAKER INTRODUCES WATER EFFICIENCY BILL
Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, has introduced a bill that would require public schools and state agencies to complete a water quality and efficiency assessment on their facilities.
SB 1144 requires that water systems at schools and state buildings test for contaminants such as lead, radon and Legionella, and also requires that any plumbing fixture found to contain levels of contaminants beyond legal limits, or using more water than current standards for water efficiency allow, must be replaced at the earlier practical time.
“Every child deserves clean and safe drinking water,” Wiener said in a statement. “And every child deserves to grow up in a state where water is an abundant resource. Californians should not be exposed to water containing harmful chemicals or bacteria that can permanently damage their health. We have the tools to ensure our water systems are clean and efficient, and to recycle water when we can. SB 1144 will help make sure we’re using them.”
According to Wiener’s office, more than half (53%) of California school districts have found lead in at least one of their drinking fountains on campus. Exposure to water contaminants can lead to numerous health issues and complications, such as Legionnaires’ disease, liver and kidney problems, developmental and behavioral issues and cancer.
“For environmental and health reasons, California must do better when it comes to water safety and efficiency. We cannot allow people across the state – including children and low income communities – to continue to be exposed to harmful contaminants. California’s water shortage is another serious problem that threatens the future of our state. Increasing water efficiency and employing graywater systems for water reuse are two important strategies for saving California’s water supply and protecting our environment,” according to a statement from Wiener’s office.
SB 1144 is sponsored by the California Pipe Trades Council.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“In the midst of turmoil, California is creating a roadmap. Embracing diversity while seeking common ground. Unifying – not exploiting divisions. Inviting everyone in the fight for a better state. That’s the California Way.”
- Gov. Gavin Newsom, via Twitter.
Best of the Bee:
The Biden administration said Wednesday that it would allow California set its own rules on greenhouse gas emissions from cars and light trucks, restoring the state’s leadership role on climate change rules, via Gillian Brassil, Francesca Chambers and Dale Kasler.
‘A crucial year for PG&E.’ California tightens grip on utility but wildfire risk persists, via Dale Kasler.
For two years, Californians have been able to pick up marijuana from their dispensaries via curbside delivery. Now, the state regulator that oversees cannabis is poised to extend that rule indefinitely, via Andrew Sheeler.