Secretary for Environmental Protection statement on the passing of Senator Byron Sher 

Sep. 15, 2026

Media Contacts:
California Environmental Protection Agency – Communications and External Affairs, CepaComm@calepa.ca.gov

SACRAMENTO – Secretary for Environmental Protection Yana Garcia issued the following statement today on the passing of professor, legislator, advocate and environmental fighter, Sen. Byron Sher.  

“While humble by nature, Sen. Sher was a towering environmental figure, authoring landmark laws including the California Clean Air Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act. He was the first California lawmaker to use the words “global warming” in legislation. His legacy includes protecting the air we breathe, the water we drink and the natural resources we all cherish. He will be deeply missed.” 

Byron Sher served in both the California Assembly and Senate. His major legislative accomplishments include the Groundwater Protection Act (1983), California Clean Air Act (1988), the California Safe Drinking Water Act (1989), among others.

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California Air Resources Board • Department of Pesticide Regulation • Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) • Department of Toxic Substances Control • Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment • State Water Resources Control Board • Regional Water Quality Control Boards

CalEPA, 1001 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 • P.O. Box 2815, Sacramento, CA 95812 • (916) 323-2514 www.calepa.ca.gov