- SB 47 – increases to $5 million CalGEM spending for clean-up of abandoned oil wells – passed, waiting for Governor’s signature
- SB 406 – creates greater transparency on oil and gas wells information on CalGEM’s website – passed, waiting for Governor’s signature
- SB 372 – establishes Medium- and Heavy-Duty ZEV Fleet Purchasing Assistance Program – passed, waiting for Governor’s signature
- AB 896 – authorizes CalGEM to put a lien on companies that have not paid clean-up fees on abandoned wells – passed, waiting for Governor’s signature
- SB 99 – establishes Clean Energy Resilience Plans – was held in Aug 26 Assembly Appropriations (died), may become a two-year bill
- AB 525 – establishing the Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program – was held in Aug 26 Senate Appropriations (died), may become a two-year bill
- AB 1395 – putting into statute California’s commitment to being carbon neutral by 2045 – died in the Senate Floor vote; will most likely be a two-year bill
While AB 1395 had some tough hurdles and was rather expected to become e a two-year bill, SB 99 and AB 525 had received wide support and were expected to pass Floor votes. As we witness climate change through extreme heat, a worsening of destructive wildfires, and other events, we are strengthened by the fact that we are not alone. CIPL supporters are people of faith AND conscience, working to bring comfort and hope to a struggling world.
We continue advocacy for pressing issues, such as phasing out oil and gas drilling, ensuring a just transition to good-paying jobs for former fossil fuel workers, and protecting communities that are disproportionately affected by pollution sources.
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As the 2021 state legislative session nears an end, crucial advocacy is still needed on AB 1395.
AB 1395 reasserts California’s climate leadership by codifying the state’s goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible, but no later than 2045, and achieve and maintain net negative greenhouse gas emissions thereafter.
AB 1395 is in keeping with the recent IPCC report that states humanity much accelerate our efforts to slow, stop and reverse the buildup of greenhouse gases fueling climate change. Through this process, thousands of lives will be saved; hundreds of thousands of good-paying clean energy jobs will be created; and countless trip to the emergency rooms and cases of respiratory and cardiac illnesses will be avoided. All this – while directing these benefits to communities that are on the frontlines of climate change and historical structural injustices.
AB 1395 CALL to ACTION: Click here for info, Senate targets, script, and phone numbers for Senators Bradford, Dodd, Durazo, Eggman, Glazer, Hertzberg, Hueso, Newman, Pan, Roth, Umberg.
Our recent Advocacy Days were again virtual, and yielded interesting discussions. Our meetings focused on moderate Assembly and Senate offices, primarily in the Central Valley, Inland Empire, and greater Los Angeles area. Our priority bills are:
- AB 585 (Rivas) addressing strategies to implement extreme heat resiliency centers
- AB 896 (Bennett) making owners of abandoned wells responsible for their clean up
- AB 1395 (Muratsuchi) carbon neutrality and net negative emissions
- SB 47 (Limon) allowing up to $10,000,000 annually for plugging abandoned
- SB 406 (Stern) allowing for greater oil and gas well data transparency
Of these, all but AB 585 are headed to a Floor vote. We remain active and engaged until the end of the legislative session, which is Friday, September 10.
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Previous 2021 Legislative Info:
CIPL is gearing up for its second set of Advocacy Days slated for August 25 and 26.
It’s been a busy year so far in the California state legislature. CIPL’s priority bills are far-reaching and are receiving the support of many organizational colleagues in the equity, public health, environmental and policy sectors. They include:
- AB 585 (Rivas) addressing strategies to implement extreme heat resiliency centers
- AB 896 (Bennett) making owners of abandoned wells responsible for their clean up
- AB 1395 (Muratsuchi) carbon neutrality and net negative emissions
- SB 47 (Limon) allowing up to $10,000,000 annually for plugging abandoned oil and gas wells
Our June advocacy visits included support for SB 372 and SB 99, and both are happily receiving bipartisan backing!
We are in the process of making appointments with legislative offices and are looking for state advocates, especially from the Central Valley, Inland Empire, and Coachella Valley. If you are interested in joining this exciting venture that has real-world implications on climate policy, please contact Allis at allis@interfaithpower.org or at (310) 752-3436.
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PREVIOUS 2021 POSTS:
CIPL’s WEEK OF ADVOCACY IS JUNE 21 – 24. Send us an email for more information and to sign up for a meeting with your legislator.
The California legislative year has already been a whirlwind of activity with some losses, some wins, and more of both anticipated.
The major disappointment for thousands of climate activists and hundreds of groups was the failure of legislators to pass a 2,500 foot health and safety setback between oil and gas extraction and sensitive receptors such as homes, schools, recreational areas, and parks. Senator Scott Wiener stepped up to revive the setbacks – along with a phase out of oil drilling. SB 467 did not pass in committee, defeated again by Senator Hertzberg, along with Senators Hueso and Eggman. The fight continues with the California’s Department of Geologic Energy Management (CalGEM.) Alongside frontline communities like Center for Race, Poverty & the Environment and STAND-LA, CIPL advocates and staff are watching CalGEM closely, and anticipating its setback rule-making proposal. We are ready to jump into action on next steps.
In the meantime, many strong legislative bills are heading to the House and Senate Floor for votes. CIPL has supported many focused on pollution reduction and renewable energy, including:
- AB 117 (Horvath) allowing for electric bike rebates
- AB 585 (Rivas) addressing strategies to implement extreme heat resiliency centers
- AB 896 (Bennett) making owners of abandoned wells responsible for their clean up
- AB 962 (Kamlager) have returnable beverage bottles be cleaned and re-used, rather than recycled
- AB 1276 (Carillo) reducing unnecessary food serviceware
- SB 47 (Limon) allowing up to $10,000,000 annually for plugging abandoned wels
- SB 99 (Dodd) calling for the creation of a program to develop community energy resilience plans, prioritizing under-served communities
- SB 373 (Leyva) establishing the Medium- and Heavy-Duty ZEV Fleet Purchasing program to facilitate the transition to clean transport trucks
CIPL, along with a number of other organizations, is opposing AB 1139 (Gonzalez), which aims to drastically reduce the payback amount of solar customers’ excess energy by utilities. CIPL will hold a forum on this bill, and Net Metering in general, on Monday, June 21, 1:00pm. Click here for more information and to register.
Stay tuned for info on key bills’ process and details about CIPL’s upcoming Week of Advocacy June 21-24.
There has never been a better time to go solar at your house of worship! And the 
On-going Prayer Services and Words of Comfort: Many houses of worship and organizations are offering online prayers and live-streaming services. The plus side of this is you can attend anywhere – check our 