CalEPA Spotlight

New Report Highlights Achievements in
California-Mexico Cooperation

Earlier this year, CalEPA Secretary Jared Blumenfeld convened the California-Mexico Border Relations Council for its first meeting under the Newsom administration. As documented in a new report, member agencies have made significant progress on a number of joint California-Mexico initiatives in the border region, from efforts to address cross-border pollution to a new task force that is providing support services for migrant families. Read more in the 2018 California-Mexico Border Relations Council Annual Report.

News & Updates

State Agencies Seek Input on Creating Climate-Resilient Water System

State agencies are asking Californians to help shape a roadmap for meeting future water needs and ensuring environmental and economic resilience through the 21st century. Input from the public will help the Natural Resources Agency, California Environmental Protection Agency, and Department of Food and Agriculture craft recommendations to Governor Gavin Newsom to fulfill his April 29 executive order calling for a suite of actions to build a climate-resilient water system and ensure healthy waterways. Read the press release. (6/13/19)

Governor Newsom Issues Statement on Passing of Chona Sarte

Chona Sarte, a beloved colleague who served CalEPA and the people of California with dedication and compassion for more than a decade, passed away on June 10. Most recently, she served as Governor Gavin Newsom’s deputy director of external affairs. Read the Governor’s Statement. (6/12/19)

California Acts to Prohibit Chlorpyrifos Pesticide

In a move to protect workers, public health and the environment, CalEPA announced that the Department of Pesticide Regulation is acting to ban the use of the pesticide and toxic air contaminant chlorpyrifos in California by initiating cancellation of the pesticide. Read the press release. (en español) (5/8/19)

Governor Newsom Directs State Agencies to Prepare Water Resilience Portfolio for California

As climate change continues to threaten the state’s water infrastructure and reliability, Governor Gavin Newsom today signed an executive order directing his administration to think differently and act boldly by developing a comprehensive strategy to build a climate-resilient water system. Read the Governor’s press release. (4/29/19)

Jared Blumenfeld Confirmed as California Secretary of Environmental Protection

The California Senate has confirmed Jared Blumenfeld as Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA). Blumenfeld was confirmed with a bipartisan vote of 32-3. Read the press release. (3/26/19)