May budget from Gov. Newsom has yet to meet the moment for all Californians

SACRAMENTO, CA — Today Gov. Gavin Newsom released his revised budget proposal, the “May Revise,” along with a proposed climate bond and commitment to work with the legislature on permitting reform for clean energy infrastructure. While this proposed budget attempts to limit additional cuts to environmental priorities beyond those significant reductions made in the governor’s January 10 proposal, it does shift critically important priorities, including the Multi-Benefit Land Repurposing Program, to a future bond. Other investment priorities for decarbonizing heavy-duty transportation are delayed to future years or moved to special funds. The administration has yet to ensure it can deliver on meaningful climate action for Californians even in the face of challenging fiscal circumstances.  

Statement from Katelyn Roedner Sutter, California State Director, Environmental Defense Fund: 

“We appreciate that Gov. Newsom is striving to avoid additional cuts to climate priorities, especially as California continues to face difficult financial circumstances. But unlike the governor’s investment proposal, the impacts of climate cannot be delayed to future years. Both urban and rural communities across California are facing drought, floods and degraded air quality due to everything from trucks to ports to wildfire right now. While the bond is an important opportunity to fund critical priorities, it cannot replace the immediate need for state support. We cannot delay essential investments in key clean energy, zero-emission transportation, forest resilience and groundwater sustainability that will benefit all Californians. 

“We also appreciate the governor’s commitment to address recommendations made by EDF and Clean Air Task Force to accelerate the permitting process for clean energy projects while maintaining robust environmental protections. We look forward to working with his administration and the legislature to ensure California remains a conservation leader while building the necessary infrastructure to meet our clean energy goals.  

“We are eager to hone the details of this solution set with the governor and legislature toward a responsible funding package. Simply put, we must meet the moment and maintain California’s leadership in preserving a vital earth for all in the face of an escalating climate crisis.”