Yesterday, CIPL advocates brought your voices to policy makers at the state capital.
Across a virtual day of advocacy, 40 advocates from faith communities across California held 35 meetings with legislators and legislative staff, sharing why climate justice is not simply a policy issue but a moral responsibility.
As people of faith and conscience, we believe we have an obligation to boldly address climate change and protect the vulnerable communities already living on the frontlines of the climate crisis.
Our advocates carried that message directly to the people shaping California’s laws.
Throughout the day, we advocated for five priority climate bills:
SB 868, Balcony Solar, which would make it easier for renters to access plug-in solar energy devices placed on a patio or balcony. With renters making up a large portion of California households, expanding access to affordable renewable energy is an important step toward a more equitable clean energy future.
SB 222, which would expand access to heat pumps, aligning permitting for this highly efficient technology with other climate technologies. Heat pumps can reduce indoor air pollution, lower climate emissions, and reduce energy bills.
AB 2461, which strengthens accountability for oil and gas well cleanup, closing loopholes that can leave communities and taxpayers responsible when operators restructure or transfer ownership of polluting and leaking wells.
AB 2313, Home Energy Choice, which would give homeowners greater choice by requiring gas utilities to offer voluntary incentives for households that choose to electrify and discontinue gas service.
And SB 954, which strengthens environmental protections under CEQA, addressing overly broad exemptions and ensuring that efforts to streamline development do not come at the expense of habitats and communities.
But advocacy day was about more than bills. It was about showing up as people of faith to say that our neighbors’ health matters, that renters deserve clean energy, that communities deserve protection from pollution, that fossil fuel companies must be held accountable for the damage they leave behind, and that California’s clean energy transition must protect people and the planet alike.
Forty advocates. Thirty five meetings. Five pieces of priority climate legislation.
This is what it looks like when we put our faith in action.
Thank you to all our CIPL supporters, and every advocate, faith leader, congregation, legislator, and staff member who made this day possible. The work continues, and together we will keep building a clean, just, and abundant future for all Californians.
Faith Communities Gather in San José for the Make Polluters Pay Tour