News & Updates
Gov. Newsom Releases CA Blueprint on Climate and other Threats in 2022-23 Budget Proposal
Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled his 2022-23 state budget proposal – the California Blueprint, a bold plan building on the state’s ongoing work to confront California’s greatest existential threats, bolster strong economic growth and make historic investments in California’s future. Budget fact sheets: climate change, drought and wildfires; affordability; public safety; COVID-19; and homelessness.
Join us for more briefings on the budget this week: Register. (1/10/22)
Bidtah N. Becker joins CalEPA as Deputy Secretary for Environmental Justice, Tribal Affairs and Border Relations
Gov. Gavin Newsom has appointed Bidtah N. Becker, a member of the Navajo Nation, as Deputy Secretary for Environmental Justice, Tribal Affairs and Border Relations at California’s Environmental Protection Agency. Becker is one of the nation’s leading tribal water rights, energy and environmental justice practitioners. “We are thrilled to welcome Bidtah to CalEPA’s leadership team,” said Jared Blumenfeld, California Secretary for Environmental Protection. Read the press release. (12/3/21)
Julie Henderson Appointed as New Director of California’s Department of Pesticide Regulation
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the appointment of Julie Henderson as director of California’s Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) on Dec. 2. Henderson has been serving as DPR’s acting director since July 2021, and served as the California Environmental Protection Agency’s Deputy Secretary for Public Policy since November 2017. “My vision for my role at DPR is to accelerate the transition to safer, more sustainable pest management,” said Henderson. Read the press release. (12/3/21)
Governor Newsom Announces California has Joined New Global Alliance Committed to Ending Reliance on Fossil Fuels
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that California has joined the Beyond Oil & Gas Alliance (BOGA) launched at COP26, bringing together national and subnational governments committed to advancing a just transition away from oil and gas production. Led by Costa Rica and Denmark, the first-of-its-kind alliance will help build momentum for states and nations working to phase out oil and gas production and support efforts to build a clean energy economy. Read the press release. (11/11/21)
Governor Newsom Announces California has Joined COP26 Declaration on Zero-Emission Vehicles
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that California has signed on to a global agreement bringing together nations, states and regions, vehicle manufacturers, businesses, investors and other partners dedicated to rapidly accelerating the transition to zero emission vehicles. Launched by the UK COP presidency, the COP26 Declaration on Zero-Emission Cars and Vans aims to achieve 100% zero emission vehicle sales by 2035 in leading markets, and no later than 2040 globally. Read the press release. (11/10/21)
CalEPA releases preliminary SB 535 Disadvantaged Communities Designation update
CalEPA released its proposed update to the Senate Bill 535 (De León, 2012) disadvantaged communities designation on Oct. 19. CalEPA invites comments from the public on its proposed update until Nov. 17. Comments can be sent to comments@calepa.ca.gov. The public is also invited to provide feedback by participating in upcoming virtual public workshops on the preliminary designation. Learn more by reading the public notice: Virtual Public Workshops on Identification of Disadvantaged Communities (en español: Talleres Públicos Virtuales). (10/21/21)